Introduction to the Third Edition of
Religion in Life: Boys
(Copyright © 1993, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations:
Religion in Life for Scouts and Explorers)
Denominational religious emblem programs are highly regarded among Scouts
and Explorers. Most Protestant denominations as well as Catholics, Jews,
and Buddhists offer a program and emblem for Scouts and Explorers of their
respective faiths.
The rationale for a religious award in Scouting is found in the Scout
Oath, the Scout Law, and the Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America.
For example, "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my
country and to obey the Scout law" (from the Scout Oath). "A Scout is reverent
toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs
of others" (from the Scout Law, Twelfth Point).
The Boy Scouts of America is a secular organization that does not attempt
to define or promote a specific theological position. Nevertheless, the
fact that a majority of Scout troops are chartered by Roman Catholic, Methodist,
and Latter-day Saint (Mormon) churches influence the positions and attitudes
of the national leadership of the Boy Scouts. Local troops will vary in
the political and cultural attitudes of their leaders depending on who
these volunteers are.
Some Unitarian Universalist have trouble with the religious language
in the Scout Oath, Law, and Charter. The Boy Scout of America Advancement
Guidelines contain a clear statement of religious principles in Scouting,
quoted below from the 1980 printing:
The Boy Scouts of America:
1. Does not define what constitutes belief in God or the practice of
religion.
2. Does not require membership in a religious organization or association
for enrollment in the movement, but does prefer and strongly encourages
membership and participation in the religious programs and activities of
a church, synagogue or other religious association.
3. Respects the convictions of those who exercise their constitutional
freedom to practice religion as individuals without formal membership in
an organized religious organization...
4. If a boy says he is a member of a particular religious body, the
standards by which he should be evaluated are those of that group. This
is why advancement committees usually ask for a reference from his religious
leader to indicate whether he had lived up to their expectations.
The Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Association has
expressed its dismay at the efforts of the Boy Scout's national leadership
to forbid boys who are gay or atheists from participating in Scouting activities.
On June 30, 1992 the Board passed a resolution which states in part:
WHEREAS the By-laws of the Unitarian Universalist Association affirm
the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and a free and responsible
search for truth and meaning; and
WHEREAS the Unitarian Universalist Association Board and numerous General
Assemblies have affirmed the rights of gay, bisexual, and lesbian persons
to participate fully and equally in the life of their communities; ...
WHEREAS the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America has
recently reaffirmed its policy requiring all boy scouts to affirm a duty
to God;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian
Universalist Association express to the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts
of America its disapproval of the Boy Scout of America’s policy of discrimination
against gay and atheist scouts and leaders, ...
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Religious Education undertake
to update the Religion and Life and Love and Help materials... to include
educational materials dealing with the conflict between the values of the
Unitarian Universalist Association and the Boy Scouts of America; and to
allow the award to be administered by local congregations...
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Unitarian Universalist Association explore
possible coalitions with other organizations who share our concern with
the Boy Scouts of America’s policies to develop effective strategies to
seek appropriate changes in those policies.
The UUA is not formally affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. Individual
UU congregations may charter scout troops if they wish. The UUA's Religion
in Life program is recognized by the Boy Scouts of America as one of the
religious awards in scouting. However, the Boy Scout of America is not
responsible for its content or administration. It can also be used in other
liberal religious denominations. This 1993 revision reflects our Association's
ongoing concern regarding the homophobic and discriminatory attitudes of
the national leadership of the Boy Scouts of America....
| 
