BSA Policy on Religion
The Boy Scouts of America has a
definite position on religious principles (Article IX, Section 1, Clause
1). The following interpretative statement may help clarify this
position.
- The Boy Scouts of America does not define what
constitutes belief in God or the practice of religion.
- The Boy Scouts of America does not require
membership in a religious organization or association for enrollment
in the movement but does prefer, and strongly encourages, membership
and participation in the religious programs and activities of a
church, synagogue, or other religious association.
- The Boy Scouts of America 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 Boy Scouts of America for
encouraging youth to participate in religious activities. However,
these same organizations reject any form of compulsion to enforce
conformity to established religious practices.
- If a boy 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 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 to all to
worship God in their own way.
Advancement Committee Guide – Policies and
Procedures, 2004, page 45.
BSA Troop 230 Revised 9-2005