“What does this article have to do with Catholics? ;)”
I was merely stating that in our church the if the Bishop said no scouts in the parishes then there will be none. End of story. It should be the same with the Southern Baptists, but apparently it is not the case for what ever reason. So the “main church” can say “no scouts” but the individual churches may still have them if they choose. I don’t understand because I am not Southern Baptist, but then again...I won’t have boi scouts in my parish. :)
“So the “main church” can say “no scouts” but the individual churches may still have them if they choose. I don’t understand because I am not Southern Baptist...”
What you do not understand is that Baptist congregations are totally autonomous. There is no “main church”. The individual congregations, fully autonomous, contribute whatever amount they choose to support joint seminaries and support missionary work. That is it.
There is no “main church” to say anything. It doesn’t exist. It is the Southern Baptist CONVENTION, not the Southern Baptist CHURCH.
“Autonomy
We affirm the autonomy of the local church. Each church is free to determine its own membership and to set its own course under the headship of Jesus. It may enter into alliance with other churches as it chooses, so long as those other churches are willing.
The same is true for other Baptist bodies – local associations; state conventions; national conventions. They, too, may determine their membership and set their own course.
If, in its autonomy, a Baptist body expels a church from its fellowship, it does not negate that church’s autonomy. The church is perfectly free to go on with its business – but not as a member of that larger Baptist body.”
http://sbc.net/aboutus/psautonomy.asp