SpiralScouts International offering honorary equivalent rank to Eagle Scouts who turned in badges

[helas girl]

In response to Boy Scouts of America's homophobia, SpiralScouts International issued a statement on facebook earlier today.

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=514407335252010&id=223338511025562

"From the Desk of SpiralScouts International, and the Aquarian Tabernacle Church

We would like to extend our admiration for those who have stood boldly in light of the recent events surrounding the Boy Scouts of America’s decision to uphold their policies regarding gay leaders, and scouts.

SpiralScouts International respects the leadership, and responsibility demonstrated by these brave men, who have returned their Eagle Scout badges over this disagreement. We offer each of you the honorary status of ‘PathFinder’, and the Award of ‘Founder’ (our Eagle Scout Equivalent) within SpiralScouts. This is our highest rank, and as you have set forth to hold to the ideals of understanding, equality, and leadership, that we strive for within SSI, it would be our honor to extend this to you.
Our program, which began in 1999, was developed to be as inclusive as possible in all areas: it features coed groups and leaders and is nondiscriminatory in all regards (sexual orientation, religion, gender). The program is available to all children, and we are happy to be able to offer this option for scouts.

Although it cannot repair the hurt that has been caused, we hope this gesture lends support to those who are struggling, and helps us take a step forward into a future that embraces all of us as the sacred beings that each of us are."

Some history, SpiralScouts started in 1999 by the Neo-Pagan Church, Aquarian Tabernacle Church in response to religious discrimination by BSA. Others started hearing about the idea and expressed interest in starting their own groups. ATC started an online council and expanded the program making sure it remained open to any child regardless of faith, lack of faith, sexual orientation, or gender. In 2001 the program went international and now has groups throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan.

http://www.spiralscouts.org/

[Hestia]

1. Excellent! I do hope that they accept this honor. ATC is a great organization. For some reason, head

of the Order's wiki page has been deleted. I think (!!!) he was an engineer with the aviation industry. I've met him - Pete "Pathfinder" Davis -and he is a great guy.

[William769]

2. Recommended and thanks for posting, I have never heard of this group.