Southern Baptists Protest Change to Boy Scouts of America Gay Policy

By Lauren Leigh Noske 12 Jun, 2013 12:47 EDT

John Stemberger, head of the coalition group OnMyHonor.Net, speaks as parents, Scoutmasters, Eagle Scouts and other Scouting members hold a news conference to announce the launch of a national organization and the coalition to keep open homosexuality out of the Boy Scouts, in Orlando, Florida March 23, 2013. Stemberger said that the current policy of Scouting allows anyone to participate irrespective of sexual orientation, only disallowing the open and aggressive promotion of homosexuality and political agendas.

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has approved a resolution that opposes the change in policy allowing openly gay youths to join troops in the Boy Scouts of America. While the resolution does not prohibit all SBC churches from supporting the Scouts in light of its new membership rules, it does urge those who continue to support the organization to work hard to reverse the policy change.

The Boy Scouts of America opened its membership to young boys who openly profess same-sex attraction in May of this year, prompting many religious organizations to withdraw their support from the troops. Many Christians feel that the change in policy endorses a lifestyle that is contrary to the Bible and will not continue to support the organization.

The statement of faith for the Southern Baptist Convention opposes all sexual sin, including homosexual practice. They encourage those who no longer support the Boy Scouts to consider becoming involved in Royal Ambassadors, “a Bible-centered, church-based, Southern Baptist missions education organization for boys in grades 1-6” that the SBC hopes will encourage spiritual growth for its young men. The program was established in 1908 and facilitates camping trips, sports, games, evangelism, missionary support, mentorship, and prayer for the youth. The Royal Ambassadors’ motto stems from 2 Corinthians 5:20 - “We are Ambassadors for Christ," it says.

Similar to the Southern Baptist Convention, the Catholic Church will allow bishops to decide whether or not to support Scout troops in their diocese. The SBC has also requested that the Scouts remove board members who instigated the policy change to include openly gay youth without getting input from the many faith-based organizations who support the Boy Scouts of America.

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Southern Baptists Protest Change to Boy Scouts of America Gay Policy

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.