Bishop criticizes Boy Scouts’ membership decision
June 06, 2013
Bishop Paul Loverde of Arlington has criticized the Boy Scouts of America’s approval of a resolution stating that “no youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.”
“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,” said Bishop Loverde. “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.”
Saying that he would “prayerfully reconsider whether a continued partnership with the BSA will be possible,” Bishop Loverde added that “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.”
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Further information:
- Churches split on Scouts' welcoming of gay youth (AP)
- Statement from Arlington Bishop Paul Loverde on the Boy Scouts of America (Diocese of Arlington)
- Bishop responds to Boy Scouts’ decision on admission of homosexual members (CWN, 5/27)
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Posted by: geoffreysmith1 -
Jun. 06, 2013 6:52 PM ET USA
It's becoming increasingly clear that no genuinely Catholic youth can be a member of the BSA, or indeed serve in the military. If our young men really wish to save their souls, they have no option but to quit these organizations, if they are members. Since we are being marginalized by society in all respects, the military can have no complaint if their Catholic personnel resign en bloc, and the Scouts will have to manage as best they can without us.
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Posted by: garedawg -
Jun. 06, 2013 10:46 AM ET USA
My understanding is that the Scouts still discourage premarital sex. So if some poor boy has problems that are not his fault, why should he be barred from going on camping trips and working toward merit badges? I suppose if he started hitting on the other boys, the leaders could still take appropriate action.
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Posted by: Defender -
Jun. 06, 2013 10:37 AM ET USA
There are problems with the Girl Scouts, too (Planned Parenthood, homosexuality, etc). Perhaps it's time for the developing Scouts of St. George to also consider incorporating girls, too. I agree with jg23753479, the military has changed a lot now, too (the recent stats of sexual assaults are men - something most news agencies have ignored). I'm glad I'm not in the service anymore.
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Jun. 06, 2013 6:57 AM ET USA
There is no difference between this and the Scouts' suddenly announcing that urban gang membership and display of gang symbols are no bar to being a scout. The BSA has lost its moral and mental compass, and Catholic youth should abandon it. The Church should sever any and all relations with this corrupt organization posthaste. Of course, I believe the exact same logic applies to the US military which has also declared neutrality toward the serious sin of sodomy.
