Gay Scouting

I agree with Mitt Romney “that all people should be allowed to participate in the Boy Scouts regardless of their sexual orientation.”

The first time I was introduced to this issue was through the South Park Episode “Cripple Fight”. Still a must-see featuring Cartman’s quote (to Big Gay Al): “Get your big gay ass off the couch and come be our scoutmaster again!”

Now recently the Boy Scouts of America clarified their membership policy: “While the BSA does not proactively inquire about the sexual orientation of employees, volunteers, or members, we do not grant membership to individuals who are open or avowed homosexuals or who engage in behavior that would become a distraction to the mission of the BSA.”

That caused the Rev. Chuck Currie to call for churches to Reexamine Ties To Boy Scouts Over Discrimination Policy. Chuck, while I agree with the goal I strongly disagree with the method. You serve as a pastor in a Methodist Church, that means that you have some responsibility to stand with the 11,078 scout troops that are sponsored by churches just like your own. Their ties cannot simply be judged upon one single aspect.

A glance at the BSA chartered organizations reveals that mainline Protestentantism is the second largest sponsor of the program. Discrimination will remain in effect until the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is replaced as main sponsor. Chuck, why don’t we strive to strengthen our liberal impact on the Scouting Movement by widening our engagement. We need to encourage more of our churches to embrace and transform Scouting. Don’t run away! Stand your ground! Scouting can get better!