UCC Synod urges Boy Scouts to change policies excluding gay

Worldwide Faith News ^ | 07/15/03 | Tim Kershner

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

"Discrimination against anyone based on sexual orientation is contrary to our understanding of the teachings of Christ..."

What about pedophiles?

[RonF]

What about pedophiles?

I doubt they would approve of accepting pedophiles into the BSA, but that's a separate issue from accepting homosexuals.

[Colofornian]

I doubt they would approve of accepting pedophiles into the BSA, but that's a separate issue from accepting homosexuals

What about non-practicing folks who have a pedophilic orientation? That's not a separate issue. They are both "sexual orientations" right?

[RonF]

I think of pedophilia as a mental disease, not a sexual orientation. But the UCC's policies are a matter for the UCC, not me.

[Kevin Curry]

The UCC appears to be a New Age social club. Very trendy and comfortable--makes no genuine demands of congregants.

My guess is that the UCC is a way-station for "progressive" men and women who are leaving less "fun" faiths. In the long run, they will have no Christian faith on which to build their lives. They are trading their birthright for a mess of New Age pottage.

[Always Right]

I think of pedophilia as a mental disease, not a sexual orientation.

Sexuality is mental and develops during our upbringing. What anyone wishes to classify as a 'mental disease' is pretty subjective. Homosexuality was rationally classified as a mental illness for a long long time until the left wingnuts took over the field.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

Then what about those who prefer sheep?

[Doc On The Bay]

The Boy Scouts of America has been an ENTIRELY POSITIVE influence on our Nation for 100+ Years.

In ALL THAT CENTURY, there has NEVER BEEN a need to alter the Tenets or Practices of the Organization!

"Graduates" of the "Boy Scouts" have become OUTSTANDING & BRAVE Citizens of our Nation!

There is a VERY OLD & VERY WISE aphorism regarding This Situation & Life "In General;"----"If it Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It!!"

My Advice, (From a Simple Citizen,) LEAVE THE BOY SCOUTS ALONE!!!!

But, Then, Who ever listens to Us??

Doc

[Kevin Curry]

Then surely the priest and the Levite who passed the man bruised and broken in the ditch on the road to Jericho "loved" him more than the Samaritan did for they refused to judge how he came to be in his condition. They allowed him perfect libtertarian freedom to celebrate his condition without interference. < /sarcasm>

Jesus Christ also said to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Wisdom in the case of the BSA means to exclude from membership those who would teach or exhibit conflicting behavior or beliefs about the morality of traditional sexuality and the family unit. On the other hand, the Boy Scouts are not called upon to harm or mistreat anyone for any reason and should show kindness in everyday situations as they arise. However, membership in the BSA is a separate issue and it is not an "unkindness" to exclude certain behavior sets from its membership.

Besides, as the article points out, the Camp Fire Boys are tolerant of sexual perversion in its membership and leadership. If gay songs and skits around the campfire with 12-16 year-old boys are important to you, join the Camp Fire Boys.

[John Locke]

I doubt they would approve of accepting pedophiles into the BSA, but that's a separate issue from accepting homosexuals.

I beg to differ. When homosexuals go to bath houses or public toilets, they do it for sex. But when homosexuals join organizations that focus on children, they do it for one reason only: fresh meat. The very fact Steve applies to join the Boy Scouts is presumptive evidence he's a pedophile.

I know. I came within an hair's breadth of being that meat.

[RonF]

I beg to differ. When homosexuals go to bath houses or public toilets, they do it for sex. But when homosexuals join organizations that focus on children, they do it for one reason only: fresh meat. The very fact Steve applies to join the Boy Scouts is presumptive evidence he's a pedophile.

First, that's contrary to BSA policy. They have stated in their press releases and on their web site that they don't make this equivalence.

Second, you are then saying that a gay man who wants to be an Assistant Scoutmaster in his son's Troop is not there to work with his son, he's there to score fresh meat.

Third; who's Steve?

[RonF]

Wisdom in the case of the BSA means to exclude from membership those who would teach or exhibit conflicting behavior or beliefs about the morality of traditional sexuality and the family unit.

Which is an excellent rationalization for the BSA's policy. It only excludes avowed homosexuals, those who are proclaim their sexual preference. Making their sexual preference known to the Scouts teaches and exhibits contrary to traditional sexuality and the family unit. A homosexual who does not proclaim his sexuality, but gets on with the program and teaches knots, cooking, fire building, leadership skills, etc., does not provide a contrary example and is acceptable to the BSA as a leader.

[RonF]

Besides, as the article points out, the Camp Fire Boys are tolerant of sexual perversion in its membership and leadership. If gay songs and skits around the campfire with 12-16 year-old boys are important to you, join the Camp Fire Boys.

Is that what's going on in the Camp Fire Boys? Do they sing gay songs and have gay skits around the campfires?

[fgoodwin]

ALL:

If you support the traditonal values of Scouting, and if you believe Scouting can be a valuable ministry to Episcopal youth, please visit the Episcopal Scouters Discussion Forum:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/episcopal_scouters/

This group is for Episcopalian Scouts and Scouters, but non-Episcopalian Scouts and Scouters are also welcome, especially those in parish-sponsored units. "Continuing Anglicans", "Orthodox Anglicans", Campfire, Girl Scouts and 4-H members are also welcome. All are welcome to discuss: Duty to God, Scouting in the Church, the religious emblems program, camp chaplaincy, etc.

I'm the moderator -- we'd love to have you join us, and please spread the word about Episcopal Scouting!

Fred Goodwin
Diocese of West Texas
Alamo Area Council
fgoodwin@sbcglobal.net

[Wife of D28Man]

Actually, the APA (American Psychiatric Assoiciation) is now floating the theory that neither pedophilia nor incest are abnormal behaviors or "illnesses." NAMBLA is no doubt euphoric.