wfn.org | UCC Synod urges Boy Scouts to change policies excluding gay

[powellb@ucc.org]

United Church of Christ
General Synod Newsroom
Sunday, July 13, 2003
newsroom@ucc.org
http://www.ucc.org

By Tim Kershner

MINNEAPOLIS -- The General Synod of the United Church of Christ on Sunday
urged the Boy Scouts of America to change their policy banning gay youth
from membership.

"Discrimination against anyone based on sexual orientation is contrary to
our understanding of the teachings of Christ," delegates said in a
resolution adopted with overwhelming support.

"We affirm the work of the Boy Scouts of America," said Diana Burdett,
Saunderstown, R.I., "but as an open and affirming United Church of Christ,
we must speak the truth and speak out against" the national organization's
policy.

During a spirited debate, most delegates praised the positive contributions
the Boy Scouts have made in the lives of individuals and communities. "We
recognize the powerful place the Boy Scouts have in our lives," said Leslie
Hoffman of Bethlehem, Penn., especially in promoting citizenship, respect
for the environment and respect for others. But Scouting's value of
tolerance conflicts with the policy of singling out gay youth and adult
leaders for exclusion, she said.

The action was not unanimous. The resolution supports both those churches
that struggle to preserve their ties with BSA councils and those that
choose to separate from the organization. But all churches should remain in
dialogue with Scouting officials, opponents of the resolution said. "Once
you sever ties," noted Mark Mendes, Plymouth, Mass., "it is difficult to
influence and change" the situation. Others questioned the motives behind
the resolution. "I ask you to reconsider your attack on this American
institution," said James Haun, a member of Zion New Providence Church in
Strasburg, Pa., and a volunteer Scout leader. "Scouting is portrayed as
anti-gay and perverted. This must be challenged. This has everything to do
with [gay] activists enlisting Scouting into their crusade."

Current and former Scouts and Scout leaders spoke on both sides of the
issue. Peter Knutson, an Eagle Scout from Saginaw, Mich., said we "have to
be accepting of all people, even if they are not accepting" of us.

Kendrick Norris of Guilford, Conn., said he is proud of the Troop sponsored
by his Open and Affirming congregation. His troop and the local Scout
council have reached "an agreement" but appreciate Synod's move to change
Scout policies.

Other BSA councils have been less open to compromise with the
non-discrimination policies of Open and Affirming churches. Pilgrim
Congregational United Church of Christ in Cleveland, Ohio, negotiated a
modus vivendi with Scouting representatives to allow its troop?the oldest
in Cleveland?to stay in relationship with the congregation. But the area
council overruled the compromise and reassigned the troop to a Roman
Catholic parish.

The Girl Scouts of America and the Campfire Boys and Girls do not exclude
homosexual youth or adult leaders.

The resolution directed local churches were also directed to resources,
including "How Shall We Respond to the BSA Policy Regarding Sexual
Orientation" prepared by Local Church Ministries, Justice and Witness
Ministries, and Wider Church Ministries.

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