Re: LDS Scouting
Andrew Heath (HEATHA@YVAX.BYU.EDU)
Mon, 1 May 1995 21:08:35 -0600
> I have not specifically asked, because it has never come up as an
>issue, but I believe that there is a restriction against non-Mormon
>unit leaders, and this may extend to assistants and committee
>members, although I would hope not. BSA permits any of our
>chartered organizations to set such limitations, but most do not.
Not so!, to quote from the LDS "Scouting Handbook" 1985 edition
"Any worthy adult (member or nonmember) who is at least twenty-one years of age
may serve as a unit Scouting leader. All leaders who are called should maintain
the standards and policies of the Church. Only Scout leaders who are members
of the Church are to be sustained and set apart. Nonmembers who so desire may
receive a special blessing from a member of the bishopric to help them in their
assignments." (pg 32)
So the only difference is Lds leaders are 'sustained' and 'set apart':
Sustained = Their name is presented to the congagation and everone raises their
hand to show there support for the leader in there 'calling'
Set apart = Preisthood brethern place their hands on the leaders head and give
him a special blessing to help them (spiritualy) in the assignment. (nonmembers
who wish may also be given this blessing).
There may have been changes in the procedure since 1985, as I am not sure if
members are still sustained and set apart. Nonmembers, however can still be put
in Scouting positions as well. As for myself I work with a non-LDS Troop.
YiS, Andrew J. Heath (heatha@yvax.byu.edu)
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
