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Assemblies of God Response to the Boy Scouts of America's Resolution May 23, 2013
Royal Rangers ^ | 5/23/13 | George O. Wood, General Superintendent

Posted on 05/23/2013 5:06:55 PM PDT by SoFloFreeper

Assemblies of God leadership regrets that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has voted to change its policy regarding inclusion of homosexual youth members. We believe – as do a majority of Boy Scout volunteer leaders and parents – that this is not the best policy for BSA, nor for the young men it serves.

As the landmark 2000 Supreme Court decision stated, BSA is a private organization with freedom of association to determine its own membership standards, upholding BSA's policy not to allow homosexual leaders or members. BSA stated at the time that a departure from that longstanding policy would undermine its purpose of guiding boys to keep themselves "morally straight," which is part of the Boy Scout Oath.

While we are disappointed by BSA's recent membership decision, we are pleased that the organization will retain its policy regarding adult leaders, and applaud the organization for standing firm on that issue. However, today's vote to allow homosexual youth members negates BSA's ability to legally defend its position regarding leadership and opens the door to more efforts by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lobbies to make further policy changes.

A majority of scout groups are sponsored by churches or other religious entities, which have as their foundation a belief in biblical teachings that identify homosexual behavior as outside of God's plan for sexuality. While we agree that youths who experience confusion or same-sex attraction need to be welcomed, in our churches they are confronted with this biblical teaching and will be counseled and prayed with that God will help them to align their lives in conformity to that teaching. We agree with the BSA that we need to demonstrate compassion and welcome those who are struggling with sexuality issues, but not in a way that condones such behavior, which is what the new BSA policy does.

Though the BSA shares a common mission with the Church, "to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes," the Church answers to a higher Authority in providing a value-added spiritual dimension. As such, based on Scripture, we provide a loving, welcoming environment to young people in their search for purpose, meaning and God's best for their lives. Until this decision today BSA agreed in teaching that "homosexual conduct is not morally straight" and in not wanting to "promote homosexual conduct as a legitimate form of behavior." BSA had been well-served by holding to that position.

We believe that the BSA policy change will lead to a mass exodus from the Boy Scout program, as Assemblies of God and many other churches can no longer support groups that are part of an organization allowing members who are openly homosexual. However, as a positive alternative, we offer a program – the Royal Rangers – that operates with values consistent to that of the BSA prior to today's change.

In the fractured family and culture today, we recognize that many youth are struggling with sexual identity and behavior. Our Assemblies of God churches seek to help these young people experience sexual purity in their lives, and remain virgins until married to a person of the opposite sex. Love, counseling and prayer is given for those who fail in this regard so that young people who engage in sexual relations outside marriage can reset their moral compass toward God's will through repentance, forgiveness and restoration.

Dr. George O. Wood General Superintendent Assemblies of God


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: children; perversion; sodomy; truth
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To: E. Pluribus Unum

They are tools. Tools being used by the left to criminalize Christianity.


41 posted on 05/24/2013 9:42:31 AM PDT by MrB (The difference between a Humanist and a Satanist - the latter admits whom he's working for)
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To: Yosemitest
It’s also being reported by those onsite that media reporters are not being allowed inside the Gaylord.

Well, there's a tip-off.

We know who the lord of the BSA is now, don't we?

This Wayne Perry character must be a real piece of work.

And of what business was it of the FedEx manager if someone was pringint up material that they were paying for?

42 posted on 05/24/2013 9:51:55 AM PDT by exit82 ("The Taliban is on the inside of the building" E. Nordstrom 10-10-12)
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To: exit82

Someone needs to do a background investigation of Wayne Perry and his links to homosexuals.


43 posted on 05/24/2013 9:54:47 AM PDT by Yosemitest (It's Simple ! Fight, ... or Die !)
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To: Yosemitest

What was the actual vote? I saw one place say it was ‘60%+’ for the change. What % of local Scout leaders who could vote did?

Freegards


44 posted on 05/24/2013 10:03:23 AM PDT by Ransomed
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To: SoFloFreeper
The boy scouts get huge funding, from many sources including the United Way. I think it is time to start hurting them where it counts.

Probably wouldn't hurt to contact each council too, to voice your displeasure.

45 posted on 05/24/2013 10:08:40 AM PDT by catfish1957 (My dream for hope and change is to see the punk POTUS in prison for treason)
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To: Ransomed
I don't know.
It would be helpful if someone who was there, gave us a detailed report.
46 posted on 05/24/2013 10:09:33 AM PDT by Yosemitest (It's Simple ! Fight, ... or Die !)
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To: SoFloFreeper

Nice to hear aobut the Royal Rangers, since the BSA are turning their organziation into the Rump Rangers!!!!!


47 posted on 05/24/2013 10:10:18 AM PDT by catfish1957 (My dream for hope and change is to see the punk POTUS in prison for treason)
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To: Rome2000

My kids have done Royal Rangers for years, it’s an outstanding Christian organization.


48 posted on 05/24/2013 10:18:33 AM PDT by Private_Sector_Does_It_Better (I AM ANDREW BREITBART)
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To: Private_Sector_Does_It_Better

I have the original RR handbook from the 60’s. It is much like the scout HB but has a specific guidance to God.


49 posted on 05/24/2013 10:30:15 AM PDT by eyedigress ((zOld storm chaser from the west)/ ?s)
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To: HarleyD
Good for the Assembly of God churches. Hope many will follow suit.

The AG has made the Royal Ranger program available for other churches to use -

http://royalrangers.com/programs/chartering/

50 posted on 05/24/2013 10:35:00 AM PDT by Godzilla (3/7/77)
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To: Rome2000; Jim Robinson; TheOldLady
"Royal Rangers" sounds pretty gay.

That is pretty offensive and grossly inaccurate rome. Perhaps you should engage your brain before displaying your ignorance. As a Ranger leader I can assure you that this program is not as you mischaracterize.

51 posted on 05/24/2013 10:37:54 AM PDT by Godzilla (3/7/77)
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To: jmaroneps37
The big losers in the long run will be Jewish kids who won’t be allowed to join these new strictly Christian organizations either by regulation or conscience.

Jewish kids are permitted in Royal Rangers. However their parents are the ones who will allow or deny activity as the organization is overtly Christian in orientation. As long as they realize that going in, they are welcome in my outpost.

52 posted on 05/24/2013 10:39:48 AM PDT by Godzilla (3/7/77)
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To: Utah Binger

Binger - does that mean they’ll let openly practicing gay boys be leaders (hold Aaronic priesthood)?


53 posted on 05/24/2013 10:40:52 AM PDT by Godzilla (3/7/77)
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To: Mrs. Don-o; manc
highest marks for this declaration. Thank God for His faithful ones.

I agree with everything you said. Amen.

I'm so very sad today: this, and the British soldier.

54 posted on 05/24/2013 10:53:39 AM PDT by Albion Wilde ("There can be no dialogue with the prince of this world." -- Francis)
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To: Albion Wilde

They threw their Supreme Court victory from 13 years ago right into the trash. Sickening.


55 posted on 05/24/2013 10:54:45 AM PDT by darkangel82
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To: Godzilla; Private_Sector_Does_It_Better; Jim Robinson; TheOldLady; SoFloFreeper; Mrs. Don-o; ...
I do apologize ,just pissed that my 10 year old son who is a Webelo, who was so looking forward to becoming a Boy Scout next year and was shooting for Eagle Scout, will probably have to leave scouting.

I don't think he'd be interested in being a "Royal Ranger", but lets see what happens.

56 posted on 05/24/2013 10:55:03 AM PDT by Rome2000 (THE WASHINGTONIANS AND UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE ARE THE ENEMY -ROTATE THE CAPITAL AMONGST THE STATES)
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To: Albion Wilde

you feel the same as me


57 posted on 05/24/2013 11:03:27 AM PDT by manc (Marriage =1 man + 1 woman,when they say marriage equality then they should support polygamy)
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To: manc

Devastated. Hang in there.


58 posted on 05/24/2013 11:09:56 AM PDT by Albion Wilde ("There can be no dialogue with the prince of this world." -- Francis)
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To: cyclotic

Godspeed.


59 posted on 05/24/2013 11:11:03 AM PDT by Persevero (Homeschooling for Excellence since 1992)
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To: Albion Wilde

yea I am and will fight the good fight because it’s worth it regardless of some trolls


60 posted on 05/24/2013 11:11:26 AM PDT by manc (Marriage =1 man + 1 woman,when they say marriage equality then they should support polygamy)
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