Religious Awards
Religious Awards
Scouting America
Scouting America
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Formerly Boy Scouts of America
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Scouting America
Scouting America
Youth 10-18 Years of Age
Scouting America and Religious Principles
Scouting America and Religious Principles
The Scout Oath begins with “Duty to God” and the Scout Law ends with “A Scout is Reverent.” This recognition of God as the sovereign power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings are wholesome precepts in the education of youth. No matter what religious faith the Scout may be, this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before the Scout.
The BSA's declaration of religious principles on religion as outlined in the BSA's Charter, By-Laws and Declaration of Religious Principles declares that:
“The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, 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 organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.
Only persons willing to subscribe to these precepts from the Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership.”
The activities of the members of the BSA shall be carried on under conditions which show respect to the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion, as required by the twelfth point of the Scout Law reading “Reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.” In no case where a unit is connected with a church or other distinctively religious organization shall members of other denominations or faiths be required, because of their membership in the unit, to take part in or observe a religious ceremony distinctly unique to that organization or church.
Scouting America Religious Principles in Advancement
Scouting America Religious Principles in Advancement
(Reprinted from the 2002 BSA's ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES)
The BSA has a definite position on religious principles (see Article IX, Section 1, Clause 1):
The BSA does not define what constitutes belief in God or the practice of religion.
The BSA does not require membership in a religious organization or association for enrollment but does prefer, and strongly encourages, membership and participation in the religious programs and activities of a church, synagogue, or other religious association.
The BSA respects the convictions of those who exercise their constitutional freedom to practice religion as individuals without formal membership in organized religious organizations. In a few cases, there are those who, by conviction, do not feel it necessary to formally belong to an organized form of religion and seek to practice religion in accordance with their own personal convictions. Religious organizations have commended the BSA for encouraging youth to participate in organized religious activities.
If a Scout says he is a member of a religious body, the standards by which he should be evaluated are those of that group. This is why the application for the Eagle Scout Award requests a reference from his religious leader to indicate whether he has lived up to their expectations.
Throughout life, Scouts are associated with people of different faiths. Scouting believes in religious freedom, respecting others whose religion may differ from theirs, and in the right of all to worship God in their own way.
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