Catholic leaders urge support for Boy Scouts after shift on gays

[rug]

David Gibson | May 31, 2013

(RNS) The U.S. Catholic Church’s top liaison to the Boy Scouts of America is telling Catholic Scout leaders and troop sponsors that the BSA’s new policy welcoming gay Scouts “is not in conflict with Catholic teaching” and they should continue to support scouting programs.

Scouting is still the best youth-serving program available to all youth,” Edward P. Martin, chairman of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, wrote in a May 29 letter addressed to “fellow Catholic Scouters.”

“We should be encouraged that the change in BSA’s youth membership standard is not in conflict with Catholic teaching,” Martin said, asking that “Catholic Scouters and chartered organization heads not rush to judgment.”

Martin said that despite some concerns, the NCCS had taken a neutral stance on a resolution adopted on May 23 by the BSA’s National Council.

http://www.religionnews.com/2013/05/31/catholic-leaders-urge-support-for-boy-scouts-after-shift-on-gays/

[IrishAyes]

1. That's good to know.

I've read disquieting reports about various groups across the board ready to bolt for the exits.

[rug]

2. I really don't understand why people do that.

There's no reason we should expect there to be no idiots in the church or in the hierarchy.