The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often misnamed the “Mormon Church”) has worked with the Boy Scouts of America program since 1913. All young men are encouraged to participate in the program and to obtain the level of Eagle Scout. The LDS Church feels that the Boy Scout program helps develop many desirable skills and character traits. A rumor was recently leaked to the press from a member of some position in the Boy Scouts of America that the membership policy for both leaders and boys who participate in the program is being reviewed. A lot of speculation has come up on this issue and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some feel that if the membership policy is changed to grant membership to homosexuals that the LDS Church will withdraw its support from the program.
On February 6, 2013, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement:
The recent announcement that BSA planned to make a policy change in its standards for membership and leadership has triggered intense debate from many segments of society. We believe BSA has acted wisely in delaying a vote on this policy issue until the implications can be more carefully evaluated.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is carefully assessing the consequences of this policy change on the Church’s program to build and strengthen young men, but it has not commented on it and a decision will not be made until we have assessed all of the implications. We caution others not to speculate about our position or to assume that individual Latter-day Saints inside or outside the Scouting movement speak for the Church. Neither has the Church launched any campaign either to effect or prevent a policy change.
HeraldExtra.com
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has always seen the benefits of the Boy Scouts of America program and has wished to support the program for young men everywhere, not just young men who are members of the LDS Church. The Scouting program has helped enrich the lives of countless men across the country and has enjoyed a good relationship with the LDS Church. This article was written by Doris White, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZf7CH89NuM&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edze5g_X5Bw&feature=youtu.be
