USSSP: A Scout's Duty to God and Country

APPENDIX B

 

1985 BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA RESOLUTION

 

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA RESOLUTION
REAFFIRMATION OF THE POSITION OF

THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA ON "DUTY TO GOD"

 

                "Resolved that the following reaffirmation of the position of the Boy Scouts of America relating to 'Duty to God' be, and hereby is, enacted and that the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and literature of the Corporation reflect this reaffirmation accordingly.

 

            "This year, America is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.  Since 1910, 72 million Americans have subscribed to the Scout Oath and the Scout Law which have stood the test of time.

 

            "The national Executive Board of the BSA proudly states, through its Mission Statement, that the values which the organizations strives to instill in young people are those based upon the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.  A Scout pledges: 'On my honor I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law . . . .' 

 

            "The first Boy Scouts of America Handbook for Boys which was published in August 1911 declares that '. . . no boy can grow into the best kind of citizenship without recognizing his obligation to God.' (Page 215)

 

            "The latest edition of The Official Boy Scout Handbook, published in February 1979, reads:  ' 'A Scout is reverent.' All Scouts show this by being faithful in their duty to God.' (Page 484)

 

            "While not intending to define what constitutes belief in God, the Boy Scouts of America is proud to reaffirm the Scout Oath and its declaration of 'Duty to God.'"

 

                                Approved by the National Executive Board, October 10, 1985.

 


 

 

When the Boy Scouts of America's National Executive Board adopted the resolution on the preceding page, there were many questions regarding its position.  Within two weeks the Board issued the following statement:

 

 

 

 

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA REAFFIRMS POSITION ON "DUTY TO GOD"

October 23, 1985

 

"The following answers may help you to reassure members and the public about this matter.

 

"1.  The BSA has not deleted God from its program and has no intention to do so.

 

"2.  It is not the role of the Boy Scouts of America to give theological interpretations.  Religion is the responsibility of the Scout's family and religious leaders.

 

"3.  Each member of the BSA is required to subscribe to the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.  Not one word of the Scout Oath and Law has been changed.

 

"4.  The National Religious Relationships Committee endorsed the Resolution passed by the National Executive Board reaffirming the commitment to the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

 

"5.  The principles upon which the BSA operates have not been changed.

 

"6.  The BSA passed this resolution to reaffirm its 75-year commitment of 'Duty to God.'"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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