The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has decided to sever its longstanding relationship with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), a partnership that has persisted for over a century. This announcement comes amidst a series of significant transformations within the BSA, which has made headlines in recent years for its evolving policies.
Recent Changes in the Boy Scouts of America
In 2014, the organization lifted its ban on gay members, and by 2015, it allowed gay leaders to participate as well. Last year, prompted by a legal complaint from an eight-year-old transgender boy, the BSA revised its policies to accept boys according to their self-identified gender. In October, the BSA indicated a shift towards inclusivity by allowing girls to join, subsequently announcing a name change to Scouts BSA, effective February 2019.
The LDS Church’s New Initiative
As of December 31, 2019, all LDS boys currently involved in Scouting will transition to a newly established “uniform youth leadership and development program” crafted by the Mormon Church. The church aims to create a religious counterpart to the BSA, emphasizing the development of faith and character among youth. A church statement articulated the intention behind this initiative: “For years, Church leaders have been preparing a new initiative to teach and provide leadership and development opportunities to all children and youth, to support families and to strengthen youth everywhere as they develop faith in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Reactions and Implications
However, some observers on social media have speculated that the timing of this decision, closely following the BSA’s inclusive measures, raises questions about its motivations. This move represents a significant loss for the BSA, as the LDS Church has been its largest sponsor of troops in the U.S., with around 425,000 boys involved. The BSA may face challenges in maintaining its membership numbers without this crucial support. Nonetheless, the organization’s commitment to inclusivity could attract diverse participants, potentially benefiting its future.
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Conclusion
In summary, the LDS Church’s decision to end its partnership with the BSA marks a pivotal shift in both organizations, potentially reshaping the landscape of youth programs in the U.S. as the BSA adapts to its new inclusive policies.