Religious Symbols......

Last Saturday, Tom Petrik had noted a policy, under "Relationships" which
had words, to the effect, that: >> we don't show preference for any one
religion over another, in service, patches, or how we pray. The exception is
for events for specific religions - retreats, religious scouting orgs, etc.<<.

I haven't found the specific reference, but a visit to Council today came up
with the following:

The Council - pub. #33071, 1997

The Mission of the Council, at page 3:

*Religious Policy. Scouting recognizes the importance of religious faith and
encourages its members to be faithful to their respective religious duties. It
is non-sectarian. It leaves the matter of religious instruction to the
member*s own religious leaders and family. Membership is open to all youth, as
stated in the charter and bylaws. The program is available to all religious
groups.

*Scouting practices and teaches tolerance and respect for the religious
convictions of all persons. Specifically, it provides that, in a unit
chartered by a religious group, members of the unit who belong to other faiths
shall not be required to take part in or observ religious ceremonies peculiar
to the charter group.*

I also got the number of BSA's Supply Division: (972) 580-2000, from the Scout
Shop. I'll call them on Monday.

Anyway, the above quote should put to rest the assertion made during the 3G
debates that a Chartered Units could limit its membership to "its own kind".

YIS
Jay Thal

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