Last week the Boy Scouts organization announced that they were changing their name to Scouts BSA and would now include girls in their ranks. That seemed to be the last straw for the Mormons. This week the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) officially ending their 105 year partnership with the Boy Scouts and said that they would form their own rival scouting group. From Christianity Today:

     ‘The Church has increasingly felt the need to create and implement a uniform youth leadership and development program that serves its members globally. In so doing, it will be necessary for the Church to discontinue its role as a chartered partner with BSA,’

a joint statement said on Tuesday.

     ‘We have jointly determined that, effective on December 31, 2019, the Church will conclude its relationship as a chartered organisation with all Scouting programmes around the world. Until that date, to allow for an orderly transition, the intention of the Church is to remain a fully engaged partner in Scouting for boys and young men ages 8­–13 and encourages all youth, families, and leaders to continue their active participation and financial support.’

It also comes after a number of rows between the Boy Scouts and different church groups over decisions last year to admit gay leaders and also to allow transgender boys into the ranks.

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Response: This is quite a blow to the Scouts BSA organization. The LDS currently sponsors groups in their churches that account for over 280,000 members. Last year the number of members in the Boy Scouts declined by nearly 500,000 members and now this.

The exodus will undoubtedly continue as evangelical Christians and conservative churches also leave the organization and join rival groups like Trail Life USA which more closely represent Biblical standards of behavior and morality.

It will be interesting to see if any other denominations officially respond to the changes that the Boy Scouts are going through.               *Top