Three Resolutions of The United Church of Christ Opposing the Boy Scout's of America's Policy
of Discrimination Being Submitted 2003
RESOLUTION
Title
Relationships between the United Church of Christ and the boy Scouts of America
Purpose
*To affirm the benefits of the Scouting program for youth;
*To encourage United Church of Christ congregations to make sure their Scout units are open to all; and
*To advocate that the Boy Scouts of America return to its historic values of inclusiveness.
Position to be Voted That the Northern California Nevada Conference, United Church of Christ:
1. Calls upon its member congregations and their Scout units and Scout leaders to support inclusive Scouting,
keeping their present Scout units and organizing new ones which are open to all youth;
2. Urges the Boy Scouts of America to return to its historic values of inclusiveness, including sexual orientation,
and to reinforce the right and responsibility of all chartered organizations and their Scout unit (parent) committees
to choose their Scout leaders and the youth they will serve.
Background
The Fifteenth General Synod (1985) encouraged a policy of non-discrimination in employment, volunteer services,
and membership policies with regard to sexual orientation, and encouraged the congregations of the United Church
of Christ to adopt a non-discrimination policy and a Covenant of Openness and Affirmation of persons of lesbian,
gay, and bisexual orientation within the community of faith.
The Northern California Nevada Conference (1992) encouraged the churches of the Conference to continue or enter
into study possibly leading toward adoption of an inclusive, non-discrimination policy and a covenant of openness
and affirmation which welcomes and accepts lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons as full participants within the community
of faith and
acknowledges their gifts and intrinsic worth.
Scouting is a great movement for youth, serving to build character, citizenship, leadership, and spiritual life
through an active, adventurous, outdoor program.
The United Church of Christ has about 1400 Scout units (Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturer crews),
serving some 53,000 youth, some of these units dating from the earliest days of Scouting in the United States.
The United States Supreme Court has in June 2000 upheld the right of the Boy Scouts of America to set membership
criteria; thus effectively allowing them to exclude homosexuals as members or leaders or as professional or nonprofessional
employees.
The Boy Scouts of Americas Executive Board on February 6, 2002 declared that:
*"Conduct of both Scouts and Scouters must be in compliance with the Scout Oath and Law" and "membership
is contingent upon ones willingness to accept the values and standards espoused by the Boy Scouts of America."
*"Homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the traditional values espoused in the Scout Oath and Law and that
an avowed homosexual could not serve as a role model for the values of the Oath and Law."
*"BSAs values cannot be subject to local option choices, but must be the same in every unit."
Discrimination against anyone based upon sexual orientation is seen by many churches as a justice and human
rights issue, rooted in our understanding of Gods inclusive love and care for all persons and all creation; The
Boy Scouts of Americas
Declaration of Religious Principle states that "the BSA recognizes the religious element in the training of
the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that
the home and the organization or group [church] with which the member is connected shall give definite attention
to religious life."
(BSA Bylaws, Article IX)
The Boy Scouts of America has violated its Declaration of Religious Principle by:
*Denying the Unitarian Universalist Association the right to teach its own Scouts its own beliefs regarding homosexuality
and atheism in preparing them for its own Religion in Life Award, and
*Forcing Open and Affirming United Church of Christ congregations to choose between keeping their Scout units by
denying their Open and Affirming beliefs, or being denied charters for their Scout units because they apply their
Open and Affirming statement to all church programs, organizations, and tenants, including their Scout units.
The Boy Scouts of America violates its own Oath and Law, and causes Scout leaders and youth to violate them,
wherein they state:
*Scout Oath: "... to do my duty to God ... by respecting and defending the rights of others to practice their
own beliefs" " ... and morally straight ... your relationships with others should be honest and open.
You should respect and defend the rights of all people."
*Scout Law: "A Scout is: "Trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth." "Loyal. A Scout is true to
his ... friends ..." "Helpful. A Scout cares about other people." "Friendly. A Scout is a
friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects
them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own." "Courteous. A Scout
is polite to everyone regardless of age or position." "Kind. He treats others as he wants to be treated."
"Cheerful. He tries to make others happy." "Reverent. He respects the beliefs of others."
Declining membership in the Boy Scouts of America demonstrates that the BSA is moving toward a narrower program
instead of an inclusive one that serves a broad cross-section of our diverse nations beliefs.
Dismissing free-thinking, agnostic, or atheist youth denies them any exposure to religion through Scouting.
Discrimination by the Boy Scouts of America inherently teaches youth that discrimination against homosexuals,
harassment, and even hostile acts are acceptable.
Discrimination and dismissal by the Boy Scouts of America leads to depression and suicide by gay youth.
Theological Rationale
Scripture says God created humankind in Gods own image (Genesis 1:26-27); and the Apostle Paul said that, as
Christians, we are many members, but we are one body in Christ (Romans 12:4), and Jesus calls us to love our neighbors
as ourselves (Mark 12:31), without being judgmental (Matthew 7:1-2), nor disparaging of others (Luke 18:9-14);
and In the Gospel, Jesus declares, "...I was a stranger and you welcomed me ...Truly, I tell you, just as
you did it to one of the least of those who are members of my family, you did it to me;" and as part of the
Great Commandment, Jesus calls us to "love our neighbors as
ourselves." (Matthew 25:35-40 and Matthew 22:39, NRSV); and
Paul wrote, "The body is one and has many members, and altogether the members of the body, though many,
are one body, so it is with Christ....Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." (I Corinthians
12:12 and 27); and
Resources
United Church of Christ publications:
*The United Church of Christ, Local Churches, and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA): How shall we respond to the
BSA
policy regarding sexual orientation? (March 2001)
*Calling on United Church of Christ Congregations to Declare Themselves Open and Affirming, General Synod resolution
(1985)
*Open and Affirming, Northern California Nevada Conference resolution (1992)
*The Connecticut Conference, UCC, Our Churches, and Their Relationships with the Boy Scouts of America, Connecticut
Conference Resolution (October 2002) (Another conference has passed a resolution on this issue.)
Boy Scouts of America publications:
*Bringing Youth to Christ Through a Scouting Ministry (No 5-957B)
*Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America (1998) (excerpt: Article IX, "Declaration of Religious Principle"
*Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America (1998) (excerpts: Article VI, "Local Units;" Article
VIII, "Adult Leadership;" Article IX, "The Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law;" Article
X, "Youth Members")
*The Chartered Organization Representative (excerpt: "How Scouting Operates"
Coalition for Inclusive Scouting publication:
*Toward Inclusive Scouting: Effective steps to counter the Boy Scouts of Americas policies of discrimination based
on religion and sexual orientation
*Coalitions for Inclusive Scouting
Scouting for All publications:
*Reaching Out to All Youth
*Boy Scouts of America February 6, 2002 Resolution and Scouting for All Responds
*The Facts: Scouting for Alls response to the BSAs misstatements (2001)
Other publications:
*Examining the BSAs Dilemma and a Rationale for Resolution
*Boy Scouts of America Reaffirms Opposition to Gays and Freethinkers in Scouting: (text of the BSA February 6,
2002 Resolution and Questions and Answers, reprinted, with additional comments by Dave Rice)
Websites:
Recommendations for Implementation
That the Northern California Nevada Conference Board of Directors:
1. Urge United Church of Christ congregations to keep their present scout units and seek to charter new units
which are open to all without reservation; and to make sure that their Open and Affirming statements apply to all
church organizations, programs, and tenants, including their Scout units.
2. Request the General Synod delegates from the Northern California Nevada Conference to carry the concerns
of the NCNC position on this issue into discussions at the General Synod in July 2003.
3. Convey to the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America our belief that discrimination against anyone
based upon sexual orientation is contrary to our understanding of the teachings of Christ; a. Asking the Boy Scouts
of America to enact a membership policy which bases exclusion on sexual misconduct rather than on sexual orientation;
b. Calling on the Boy Scouts of America to return to its historical stance of requiring all chartered organizations
and Scout unit (parent) committees to choose their Scout leaders and the youth they will serve, according to their
standards.
4. Urge United Church of Christ Scout units to prepare statements that they will not discriminate against anyone,
on the basis of, among other criteria, sexual orientation in their program.
5. Urge United Church of Christ Scout leaders to assure their Scout youth that they can approach their leaders
with their
concerns without fear of retribution.
Cost Estimate Minimal; time and materials for letter-writing and postage for mailing.
Contact Person
David A Rice, 433 Garfield Drive, Petaluma, CA
94954-3818, 707-763-8378, member of Petaluma United Church of Christ,
<daverice@bigfoot.com
Proposal by:
~~~~~~~~~~
Here's the resolution Dave Knapp wrote, which the Connecticut Conference will carry to the UCC General Synod
in July:
RESOLUTION: THE CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, OUR CHURCHES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
WHEREAS, In the Gospel, Jesus declares, "...I was a stranger and you welcomed me...Truly, I tell you, just
as you did it to one of the least of those who are members of my family, you did it to me;" and as part of
the Great Commandment, Jesus calls us to "love our neighbors as ourselves." (Matthew 25:35-40 and Matthew
22:39, NRSV); and
WHEREAS, Paul wrote, "The body is one and has many members, and altogether the members of the body, though
many, are one body, so it is with Christ....Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."
(I Corinthians 12:12 and 27); and
WHEREAS, The fifteenth General Synod (1985) of the United Church of Christ encouraged "a policy of non-discrimination
in employment, volunteer service and membership policies with regard to sexual orientation; and encouraged associations,
conferences and all related organizations to adopt a similar policy as well as a Covenant of Openness and Affirmation
of persons of lesbian, gay and bisexual orientation within the community of faith;" and
WHEREAS, In 1989, the 122nd Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ declared
the
Conference to Open and Affirming and "called upon member congregations to adopt a similar non-discrimination
policy and covenant of openness and affirmation;" and
WHEREAS, The United States Supreme Court has recently (June 2000) upheld the right of the Boy Scouts of America
to
set membership criteria; thus effectively allowing them to exclude homosexuals as members or leaders; as professional
or nonprofessional employees; and
WHEREAS, Discrimination against anyone based upon sexual orientation is seen by many churches as a justice and
human
rights issue, rooted in our understanding of Gods inclusive love and care for all persons and all creation;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the delegates to the 135th Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference of
the United Church of Christ, request the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church
of Christ to convey to the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America our belief that discrimination against
anyone based upon sexual orientation is contrary to our understanding of the teachings of Christ;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we request our Board of Directors to ask the National Council of the Boy Scouts
of America to enact a membership policy which bases exclusion on sexual misconduct rather than sexual orientation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we invite all congregations that sponsor Boy Scout troops to prayerfully and thoughtfully
consider the implications of such sponsorship.
Presented by First
Congregational Church of Guilford, Inc
~~~~~~~~~~
And here's the resolution the UCC Coalition on GLBT Concerns will carry to the UCC General Synod in July:
Boy Scouts of America Resolution
The Boy Scouts of America and the United Church of Christ
Background Information
* The Boy Scouts of America established a policy in 1978 of not accepting gay boys and men as members or leaders.
* The General Synod of the United Church of Christ declared itself "Open and Affirming" of gays, lesbians,
and bisexuals in 1985.
* The United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, on February 8, 1993, requested the Boy Scouts of America to
stop its discriminatory practices against gay boys and men, and to allow local troops autonomy and therefore variance
from the Boy Scouts of Americas discriminatory policies, and to clearly justify its policies and practices.
* The discriminatory practices and policies of the Boy Scouts of America have caused pain to gay and bisexual boys
and men in the United Church of Christ, as well as their heterosexual peers and allies.
* Congregations of the United Church of Christ charter approximately 1,425 troops of the Boy Scouts of America.
* 55,000 men and boys of the United Church of Christ participate in the Boy Scouts of America. Statistically, 5,500
of these
boys and men are of homosexual orientation.
* The Boy Scouts of America in 1999 denied a charter to the Petaluma UCC in Petaluma, CA, due to the UCCs "Open
and Affirming" stance.
* The BSA withdrew its charter relationship in 1999 with the Shadow Rock UCC in Phoenix, Arizona, after that congregation
declared itself "Open and Affirming."
* Various expressions of the UCC, as well as ecumenical groups, have attempted to engaged the BSA and its various
settings in dialogue, including: - Mayflower UCC in Minneapolis, Minnesota - First Congregational Church and Society
of Albany, New York - Central Congregational Church in Providence, Rhode Island - Pilgrim Congregational UCC in
Cleveland, Ohio - Clergy for Justice, an ecumenical group in Phoenix, Arizona
* The Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ passed the resolution, "The Connecticut Conference,
UCC, Our Church, and Their Relationship to the Boy Scouts of America," in April 2002, expressing dismay at
the BSAs discriminatory
policies.
* The Unitarian Universalist Association has been denied the right to grant the Religion in Life merit badge
specifically because of the Unitarian Universalist Associations affirming policies of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender persons, and as such the UCC is potentially also at risk of de recognition for its 1985 Open and Affirming
resolution.
* The General Synod of the UCC passed the 1999 resolution, "Preventing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Youth
Suicide," affirming lgbt youth and young adults.
* Representatives of the UCC met with BSA representatives at BSA national headquarters in Dallas, September
20, 1999.
* United Church Board for Homeland Ministries filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of James Dale before the
U.S. Supreme Court.
* The Girl Scouts of America do not have policies which discriminate against lesbian or bisexual girls and women.
* The Coalition Council has endorsed Scouting for All, an organization which works for the inclusion of all
in scouting.
* An organization called Out Scouts exists, comprised of gay and bisexual boys, which advocates for continuing
presence in and on-going dialogue with the BSA around issues of affectional orientation.
* Some Boy Scouts have begun to wear non-BSA approved solidarity badges on their uniforms to show solidarity
with their gay and bisexual peers.
* The National Executive Committee of the BSA on February 6, 2002, reaffirmed its bigoted policies toward and
discriminatory practices against gay and bisexual boys and men.
* The Dartmouth UCC in Dartmouth, New Hampshire, voted following that action to sever its ties with the BSA.
* The national setting of the UCC has prepared a study packet of materials for congregations seeking to engage
in discussion and discernment around their relationship with the BSA. 450 congregations have requested these study
packets
Resolution
Whereas the Boy Scouts of America has offered generations of boys and men opportunities to build friendships
and foster mentoring relationships, develop leadership skills, and embody values that encourage a reverence for
the earth and service on behalf of others, and
Whereas the Boy Scouts of America established a policy in 1978 of not accepting gay boys and men, and in February
2002 reaffirmed its discriminatory policies and practices by action of the Relationships Committee of the National
Executive Committee of the Boy Scouts of America, and
Whereas Jesus prayer, "that they may all be one," offers the guiding vision of the United Church of
Christ and invites us to celebrate the gifts and graces of all Gods children, and
Whereas various settings of the United Church of Christ in various actions and communications has requested
that the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America cease its discriminatory practices against gay boys and
men and allow local units autonomy and therefore variance from the Boy Scouts of Americas discriminatory policies
and practices, and
Whereas the discriminatory practices of the Boy Scouts of America have caused pain and suffering to gay and
bisexual boys and men in the United Church of Christ, as well as their heterosexual peers, families, and allies,
and Whereas the Council of the United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns
has endorsed Scouting for All, which works for the inclusion of all in scouting, regardless of sexual/affectional
orientation, and
Whereas the United Church of Christ believes that in a Gospel that affirms and welcomes all, including gay and
bisexual boys and men, and we believe that the discriminatory policies and practices of the Boy Scouts of America
invite gay and bisexual males to feel less than, invisible, and marginalized, and Whereas there are many appropriate
responses from among which actions may be chosen,
Therefore be it resolved that we condemn homophobia and heterosexism in all its forms, including against boys,
youth, and adults, and Further be it resolved that encourage the use of the local church resource packet developed
by the Covenanted
Ministries of the United Church of Christ, and
Further be it resolved that we encourage congregations, associations, conferences, and other settings of the
United Church of Christ to endorse Scouting for All and similar justice-seeking organizations, and
Further be it resolved that we support the actions of congregations within a full range of options, including
those who wish to sever their ties to the Boy Scouts of America, and those who wish to remain in dialogue and connection
with the Boy Scouts of America, and
Further be it resolved that we request the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America to reactivate its original
membership policy, practiced from 1910 to 1978, which based exclusion on misconduct rather than sexual/affectional
orientation, and
Finally be it resolved that we prayerfully refer this issue back to the local churches, associations, conferences,
and the General Synod of the Untied Church of Chrsit for further study.
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