Religious Symbols......
Jay Thal (jay.thal@TCS.WAP.ORG)
Fri, 29 May 1998 20:30:02 EST
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
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
