Posted on 05/23/2013 5:06:55 PM PDT by SoFloFreeper
Assemblies of God leadership regrets that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has voted to change its policy regarding inclusion of homosexual youth members. We believe – as do a majority of Boy Scout volunteer leaders and parents – that this is not the best policy for BSA, nor for the young men it serves.
As the landmark 2000 Supreme Court decision stated, BSA is a private organization with freedom of association to determine its own membership standards, upholding BSA's policy not to allow homosexual leaders or members. BSA stated at the time that a departure from that longstanding policy would undermine its purpose of guiding boys to keep themselves "morally straight," which is part of the Boy Scout Oath.
While we are disappointed by BSA's recent membership decision, we are pleased that the organization will retain its policy regarding adult leaders, and applaud the organization for standing firm on that issue. However, today's vote to allow homosexual youth members negates BSA's ability to legally defend its position regarding leadership and opens the door to more efforts by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lobbies to make further policy changes.
A majority of scout groups are sponsored by churches or other religious entities, which have as their foundation a belief in biblical teachings that identify homosexual behavior as outside of God's plan for sexuality. While we agree that youths who experience confusion or same-sex attraction need to be welcomed, in our churches they are confronted with this biblical teaching and will be counseled and prayed with that God will help them to align their lives in conformity to that teaching. We agree with the BSA that we need to demonstrate compassion and welcome those who are struggling with sexuality issues, but not in a way that condones such behavior, which is what the new BSA policy does.
Though the BSA shares a common mission with the Church, "to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes," the Church answers to a higher Authority in providing a value-added spiritual dimension. As such, based on Scripture, we provide a loving, welcoming environment to young people in their search for purpose, meaning and God's best for their lives. Until this decision today BSA agreed in teaching that "homosexual conduct is not morally straight" and in not wanting to "promote homosexual conduct as a legitimate form of behavior." BSA had been well-served by holding to that position.
We believe that the BSA policy change will lead to a mass exodus from the Boy Scout program, as Assemblies of God and many other churches can no longer support groups that are part of an organization allowing members who are openly homosexual. However, as a positive alternative, we offer a program – the Royal Rangers – that operates with values consistent to that of the BSA prior to today's change.
In the fractured family and culture today, we recognize that many youth are struggling with sexual identity and behavior. Our Assemblies of God churches seek to help these young people experience sexual purity in their lives, and remain virgins until married to a person of the opposite sex. Love, counseling and prayer is given for those who fail in this regard so that young people who engage in sexual relations outside marriage can reset their moral compass toward God's will through repentance, forgiveness and restoration.
Dr. George O. Wood General Superintendent Assemblies of God
They are tools. Tools being used by the left to criminalize Christianity.
Well, there's a tip-off.
We know who the lord of the BSA is now, don't we?
This Wayne Perry character must be a real piece of work.
And of what business was it of the FedEx manager if someone was pringint up material that they were paying for?
Someone needs to do a background investigation of Wayne Perry and his links to homosexuals.
What was the actual vote? I saw one place say it was ‘60%+’ for the change. What % of local Scout leaders who could vote did?
Freegards
Probably wouldn't hurt to contact each council too, to voice your displeasure.
Nice to hear aobut the Royal Rangers, since the BSA are turning their organziation into the Rump Rangers!!!!!
My kids have done Royal Rangers for years, it’s an outstanding Christian organization.
I have the original RR handbook from the 60’s. It is much like the scout HB but has a specific guidance to God.
The AG has made the Royal Ranger program available for other churches to use -
http://royalrangers.com/programs/chartering/
That is pretty offensive and grossly inaccurate rome. Perhaps you should engage your brain before displaying your ignorance. As a Ranger leader I can assure you that this program is not as you mischaracterize.
Jewish kids are permitted in Royal Rangers. However their parents are the ones who will allow or deny activity as the organization is overtly Christian in orientation. As long as they realize that going in, they are welcome in my outpost.
Binger - does that mean they’ll let openly practicing gay boys be leaders (hold Aaronic priesthood)?
I agree with everything you said. Amen.
I'm so very sad today: this, and the British soldier.
They threw their Supreme Court victory from 13 years ago right into the trash. Sickening.
I don't think he'd be interested in being a "Royal Ranger", but lets see what happens.
you feel the same as me
Devastated. Hang in there.
Godspeed.
yea I am and will fight the good fight because it’s worth it regardless of some trolls
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