Various practices

Richard--
First, thank you for reconsidering your earlier comments. Your boys are lucky
to have a leader who can reflect and change.
On "mandatory" services and prayers and such--when praying before meals, I
learned to ask all to "prepare themselves to pray in the manner they are
accustomed to". Mormons cross their arms, Catholics make the sign of the
cross, others just fold their hands and bow their heads. I then address the
prayer, when I lead it, to "the Master of all Scouts". There are dozens of
reverent, non-denominational prayers that are available. The point is for us
to be thankful and acknowledge the grace and goodness that we are able to eat
together, in comfort and in plenty. I'm sure that God knows who the prayers
are addressed to. "His eye is on the sparrow", as the old hymn goes.
Our summer camp has 3 separate services: Mormon, Catholic, and
non-denominational. We also have Jewish units who celebrate the Sabbath on
Saturday at camp.
We lead by example, and I want to set a good example for as many boys as I
can. Try being the only Catholic at a training session of all Mormon
scouters--desperate for coffee and a cigarette. Or explaining to a Jewish
mother that, although we meet at a Catholic church and the grace was just said
by a Deacon, we are open to all faiths. If a boy earns his religious emblem in
the B'hai faith, I will be as proud of him as if he earned the Chi Rho for
Greek Orthodox, the God and Country, or the Ad Altare Dei, or any other
sponsored by a faith for boys to earn.
It takes all kinds, no matter what book they follow, to make the world. As
St. Francis said, "Preach the Gospel constantly--and sometimes, use words"

--
YiS--
Kelly Parker
COR,Troop 110     CM, Pack 43                  MC,GSUSA Troop 2026
Firebird District Cub Roundtable Commissioner  Camelback Neighborhood
Grand Canyon Council                           Cactus-Pine Council
Phoenix, AZ               "and a good ol' Eagle, too "  W-CS-41

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