Posted on 05/25/2013 4:42:28 PM PDT by Mrs. Don-o
Bishop Paul Loverde on the Boy Scouts of America 2013-05-24
(Arlington, Va.) – The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, made the following statement today in response to the Boy Scouts of America’s vote at its executive meeting in Grapevine, Texas to change its membership requirements:
The clarity and courage of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) over many years in the face of considerable cultural, political and legal pressure to change its membership policy with regard to those who openly profess to live a homosexual lifestyle has been a testament to the virtues that scouting has successfully instilled in the young men who have benefited from its programs.
I deeply regret that the leadership of the Boy Scouts of America, after years of principled and steadfast resolve, has now wavered in their commitment to the values that the scouting movement has traditionally embraced and taught.
The Diocese of Arlington has been very pleased to host Boy Scout troops in the great majority of its parishes and to encourage our boys and young men to be a part of the scouting tradition. As Bishop, it has always been my firm hope that we might continue sponsorship of Boy Scout troops in a manner that is consistent with the Church’s teaching and mission.
Sadly, yesterday’s decision forces us to prayerfully reconsider whether a continued partnership with the BSA will be possible.
Going forward and before the new BSA policy takes effect, I will consult with those who moderate the Church’s relationship with the scouting movement locally and at the national level, including the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) and members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Through this consultative process we will determine whether our parishes can continue their relationship with the Boy Scouts. Overarching all of this will be our firm commitment to preserving the integrity of the Church’s teaching on the authentic meaning of human sexuality.
As an organization founded on character and leadership, it is highly disappointing to see the Boy Scouts of America succumb to external pressures and political causes at the cost of its moral integrity. Additionally, it seems clear that the result of this policy change will likely not bring harmony, but rather continuing controversy, policy fights, and discord.
I ask that parishioners in the Diocese of Arlington continue to pray for the leadership of the Boy Scouts of America, and all Boy Scouts, and that each of us may grow in our understanding of the gift of human sexuality and remain a steadfast witness to the truths of our faith.
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The stronger bishops are just going to have to chart their own course. I wish to God the Knights of Columbus would start a national Catholic youth organization similar to the Scouts. They're the only ones I can think of with the numbers, the resources, and the parish connections to do it.
Great idea.
Time to break with them.
My take on this would be that there is no such thing as a GAY pre-teen...
The issue has always been the scout leaders.
I’m pulling my boys out.
I may have to put up with some things at work but I’ll be damned if I’m putting up with it at home with my children.
I hope they guys at Onmyhonor.net can come up with something good. I really wanted my boys to learn all the other things the Boy Scouts had to offer.
IMO the Boy Scouts are done for.
It’s a damned shame, but they just voted themselves out of business.
My advice is put your scouting stuff on Craigs list fast, while you can still get rid of it.
Catholic mother here. My son is currently in second grade in public school and happens to be transferring to a good Catholic school in the fall. I had planned to have him join the Boy Scouts (Cub Scouts) next year, as well, but that won’t happen now. He’ll still go to Catholic school, but won’t join the Boy Scouts.
Bingo! 'Knights-in-training'
Contact your local KOC and have them nationally spread your idea.
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They’re inside the tent, now. The BSA is over.
c_h
Eagle Scout
1963
I think the Bishop needs to be seen to be making a considered decision. But there’s not much doubt what that decision has to be.
It was already the policy of the Boy Scouts not to question whether a boy privately thought he might be gay, as long as he kept it to himself. A young boy would not normally be set in his ways, and might learn that he didn’t really want to be gay after all. After all, one of the things Scouting teaches boys is how to be a man. Or if a boy still felt inclined that way, as long as he shut up about it and didn’t show it to the other boys in his pack, OK.
Now, the policy is evidently that scout masters are supposed to tell all the boys in their care that “gay is good.” They’re supposed to encourage it. The other boys are commanded to “tolerate” it. Anything else would be considered “bullying.”
Well, one of the principle ends of scouting is to teach the boys to behave morally, and to teach them manly social behavior in part by interacting with each other. But now, their leaders are required to teach them that immoral behavior is good.
That simply cannot be reconciled with scouting as it has been up to now, or with Catholic teaching, or more broadly with Christian belief and practice, or with any kind of genuine, traditional moral behavior, courage, and manliness.
United States Christian Scouts
Christian Boy Scouts of America
What about a 15-17 year old in charge of younger kids? I think it would be reasonable to have concerns over a 15-17 year old in charge of whatever sex they are attracted to. I mean the boy scouts could start to allow girls, or the girl scouts boys—all it takes is a vote I guess.
Freegards
There already is one: the Columbian Squires.
More information can be found here:
Great minds think alike, I see.
Yep. Our council actually had an active Columbian Squires circle for a while, so I wanted to just make sure people know it exists.
It troubles me that His Grace sees a need of a "consultative process". I think it is clear that BSA has deliberately placed itself outside of the pale of the acceptable.
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