Mormon church, which sponsors most scout units, rethinking its affiliation with Boy Scouts of America

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has said it will be re-evaluating its long-standing participation in the Boy Scouts of America, following the latter’s decision to end its blanket ban on openly gay adult leaders.

BSA“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is deeply troubled by today’s vote by the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board. In spite of a request to delay the vote, it was scheduled at a time in July when members of the Church’s governing councils are out of their offices and do not meet. When the leadership of the Church resumes its regular schedule of meetings in August, the century-long association with scouting will need to be examined,” the Mormon church said on Monday.

“The Church has always welcomed all boys to its scouting units regardless of sexual orientation. However, the admission of openly gay leaders is inconsistent with the doctrines of the Church and what have traditionally been the values of the Boy Scouts of America.”

The BSA executive committee voted to end its historic ban on openly gay adult leaders earlier in July, a decision that was ratified by the National Executive Board on Monday in a 45-12 vote. …

CBS News noted that the decision remains a controversial one, and the Mormon church, which sponsors more Scout units that any other organization, could look at forming its own organization to replace the Boy Scouts.

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