Howard's Campfire Chat

November 28, 2007

Dear Howard,

From: Tom and Julie

My son is a member of the Boy Scout troop in California sponsored by the United Methodist Church of which he and my wife are members. I am an atheist and strongly oppose BSA’s discrimination against gays and atheists. I am a professional geologist and troop leaders have requested that I become a counselor for the geology merit badge. I want to support my son and several of the troup leaders are my friends. The application to be an adult volunteer states that the applicant must subscribe to the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle, which I do not. The Scouting Volunteer Application does not specifically mention the Declaration, but to me signing the application based on that "loophole" seems dishonest - but I do support your organization’s approach of seeking change from within. Any suggestions of how I might resolve my dilemma, and help change the BSA, will be sincerely appreciated.

Tom & Julia

Dear Tom and Julia,

Thank you for writing. I would attach a letter to the application telling all of your qualifications and beliefs, specifying that your only interest is in teaching Geology and that religion will not and should not be discussed in such situations. This will, I believe, do two things. It will fulfill your obligation to try to help and place the ball in the court of the BSA as to whether a man's worth is in his knowledge or in who (what) he is. The truth can be a bitter pill for some.

Good luck in what ever you decide to do. Please write again and tell us of the outcome.

Sincerely

Howard Menzer
President
Scouting For All