The WOSM and God in Scouting

Most Scouting organizations throughout the world belong to the
World Organization of Scouting Movement (WOSM). I thought it
might be relavent to the discussion to post what they say on
the subject.

Duty to God is a Fundamental Principle of the World Organization
of the Scouting Movement (WOSM).

Unless otherwise stated, single quotes indicate quotes from the
pamphlet Fundamental Principles by WOSM (see below) and double
quotes indicate quotes from Chapter 1 of the Constitution of
WOSM.

'The principles are the fundamental laws and beliefs which must
be observed when achieving the purpose (of the Scout Movement).
They represent a code of conduct which characterizes all members
of the Movement. Scouting is based upon three broad principles
which represent its fundamental laws and beliefs. They are
referred to as "Duty to God", "Duty to others" and "Duty to self".
As their names indicate, the first refers to a person's
relationship with the spiritual values of life; the second, to a
person's relationship with society in the broadest sense of the
term; and the third, to a person's obligations towards himself.'

"Duty to God"
"...adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion that
expresses them and acceptance of the duties resulting
therefrom." Note that the body text does not use the
word God. In that way, (the WOSM feels) the clause covers religions
which are non-monotheistic, such as Hinduism, or those
which do not recognize a personal God, such as Buddhism.

'The above-mentioned principles relating to the spiritual, social
and personal dimensions constitute the fundamental laws and
beliefs upon which Scouting rests. Consequently, the program
of all Scout associations must provide maximum opportunities for
the growth of young people on the basis of these
principles....the promises and laws of national associations,
when first drafted and whenever modified, are subject to the
approval of the World Organization.'

Upon writing for the pamphlet called:
The Fundamental Principles of the WOSM

from:
World Scout Bureau
P.O. Box 241
5, rue du Pre-Jerome
CH-1211 Geneva 4
Switzerland

You can receive a very nice 12 page document describing the
Fundamental Principles as well as Chapter 1 of the
Constitution of WOSM. A small donation would be appropriate
(but not required) since they are not a large organization.

--
---
"A NATION owes its success, not so much to its strength
in armaments, as to the amount of character in its citizens."
  - Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement




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Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City