Subject: [rec.scouting.issues] Commonly asked questions (FAQ 2) From: nelsonb@aztec.asu.edu (BILL NELSON) Organization: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (USA) Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Newsgroups: rec.scouting.issues,rec.answers,news.answers Archive-name: scouting/rec.scouting.issues Last-Modified: 10 Dec 1996 This file is archived on: http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/scouting/ Recent changes: - Added a question on Baden-Powell's position on God and religion in scouting. - Added a question on whether the BSA is public or private - Added a question on whether the BSA is a place of public accommodation - Divided the UK position on religion into two questions, one dealing with aims and methods. - Added some info about the SF Council statement on sexual orientation TABLE OF CONTENTS ================= 1 - General Introduction -- rec.scouting.issues 2 - Etiquette Guidelines 3 - Some Frequently Asked Questions What does 3G mean? Is this where I can get official information? Are scouting and guiding organizations on the Net? Which countries have single gender scouting? Where can I find a copy of the BSA and GSUSA Congressional Charters? BADEN-POWELL What was Baden-Powell's position on God and Religion in scouting? BSA Where can I find information on how the BSA is organized? What is the mission of the BSA? Is a BSA unit a public or private institution? Where can I get official BSA literature & catalog? What is the BSA position on homosexuality? Is the BSA the only organization in the world with such a policy? What is the BSA position on girls in scouting? What is the position of the BSA as related to God and religion? GSUSA Is the GSUSA part of the WOSM? What is the position of the GSUSA as related to God and religion? UK What is the aim and method of the UK Scouting? How is religion handled in UK Scouting? WOSM What is the position of the WOSM as related to God and religion? Subject: General Introduction -- rec.scouting.issues Welcome to rec.scouting.issues, the newsgroup for boy and girl scouts and guides, cub scouts, venturers, rovers, scout leaders and all people interested in scouting and guiding issues, worldwide. Rec.scouting.issues concentrates on discussing issues within and between the national and regional organizations and local users or implementors of scouting and guiding programs. This group is open to any issue relating to a scouting or guiding organization. For example, anything relating to the "the 3Gs" in the USA (gays in scouting, gender specific scouting organizations, God in the Scout Oath), or alcoholic beverage consumption during Scouting activities and camps in European Scouting programs, or issues of youth versus adult leadership in short term camping events. See FAQ #1 for our Charter and important information about the rec.scouting.* groups. This document introduces new readers to the preferred Etiquette for rec.scouting.issues and to the compilation of files of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If you have a useful item that hasn't been included in this FAQ, please do all of us the favor. Write it up and post it on rec.scouting.issues. Drop me a copy too to make sure that I include it in this file. As the FAQ files are updated regularly, make sure that you have the latest copy in your hands. The release date of this FAQ is indicated in the line starting with "Last-Modified:" at the top of this file. Files older than three months should be considered as outdated. This file or parts of it may be freely used, printed and re-distributed as long as you enclose this paragraph and keep the references to the respective contributors and to the maintainer (listed below) intact. -- Bill Nelson ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Etiquette Guidelines -- Rec.scouting.issues From: Bill Nelson Date: 27 April 1996 *** ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES *** Before reading any further, please go to the newsgroup news.announce.newusers and read the posting: Rules for posting to Usenet. That message describes some of the rules of conduct on Usenet. Posters to the rec.scouting* hierarchy are expected to follow these rules. Read also the rec.scouting.* FAQ #1 which contains Etiquette guidelines specific to the rec.scouting* hierarchy. The following guidelines are particularly important to remember for rec.scouting.issues. o By the nature of this group, many discussions are of very controversial topics. It is therefore expected that scouts, guides and scouters adhere to their organization's oath, promise or law at all times. o Advertising is not welcome on rec.scouting.issues. This is NOT the group to post advertisements, Web page announcements, patch trading and the like. o Please do not "flame" (insult) anyone in this newsgroup. Discussions will naturally bring disagreements, however, rebuttals should always be made in a polite, respectful, rational, logical and mature manner. o Please remember the scope of this newsgroup is to discuss issues related to scouting and guiding. If you find that your discussion is going outside of this scope, please take it to another group or off-line. o Please avoid posting to rec.scouting.issues and another group outside of the rec.scouting groups (cross-posting). The postings quickly expand beyond the subject of scouting and become very difficult to conclude. Let's keep the Scouting policy discussions in the Scouting newsgroup, rather than pulling in "issue specialists" from other groups. If you feel people in another group might be interested in a discussion, go over to the other group and post a message pointing to the discussion in rec.scouting.issues. Interested people will come over to rec.scouting.issues to join in the discussion. Watch for cross-postings carefully. Before posting a reply, please double check the newsgroup line to make sure you are not posting to other newsgroups unintentionally. If you must cross-post, make sure your responses are phrased in such a way as to not start an argument. Remember, most people to not hunt out rec.scouting.issues to start an argument--but if you keep a discussion going in another group by cross-posting your views, they'll generally return the favor. Also, statements and discussions appropriate on rec.scouting.issues may be seen as inappropriate on other groups. o The bottom line: Remember the subject here is Scouting Issues. Please stay on topic, be polite, and respect other people's views and defend their right to have an opinion. In other words, act in a scout-like manner. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN REC.SCOUTING.ISSUES ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: What does 3G mean? From: Bill Nelson Date: 27 April 1996 Q. What does 3G mean? A. 3G stands for God, gays and girls as these subjects relate to scouting. They are three hot issues within scouting in the USA and are also being brought up in other countries. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Is this where I can get official information? From: Bill Nelson Date: 27 April 1996 Q. Is this where I can obtain official information from my scouting organization? A. No, official information from organizations is not normally communicated via rec.scouting.issues. See FAQ #1 for more information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Are scouting and guiding organizations on the Net? From: Bill Nelson Date: 27 April 1996 Q. Do scouting organizations have official information on the net that describes their structure and some policies? A. Yes, some do: Guiding and scouting organizations can be found off of: the InterNETional Scouting Page http://scout.strw.leidenuniv.nl the US Scouting Service Project Page: http://www.usscouts.scouter.com The WOSM Web page is at: http://www.scout.org The WAGGGS Web page is at: http://www.wagggs.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Which countries have single gender scouting? From: Bill Nelson Date: 25 May 1996 Q. Which countries have single gender scouting? A. A number of countries have single gender scouting organizations. These countries include Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Ireland, Taiwan, Canada (e.g., Girl Guides of Canada), just to name a few. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Where can I find a copy of the BSA and GSUSA Congressional Charters? From: Bill Nelson Date: 27 April 1996 Q. Where can I find a copy of the BSA and GSUSA Congressional Charters? A. The U.S. House of Representatives' Web page (http://www.house.gov) has a database of U.S. Codes (Laws). The BSA charter is under US Code Title 36, Chapter 2 the GSUSA charter is under US Code Title 36, Chapter 2a. Another copy of the BSA Federal Charter is located at: http://www.usscouts.scouter.com/bsacharter.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: What was Baden-Powell's position on God and Religion in scouting? From: Bill Nelson Date: 28 May 1996 Q. What was Baden-Powell's position on God and Religion in scouting? "No man is much good unless he believes in God and obeys His laws. So every Scout should have a religion....Religion seems a very simple thing: First: Love and serve God. Second: Love and serve your neighbour." (Scouting for Boys) "When asked where religion came into Scouting and Guiding, Baden- Powell replied, It does not come in at all. It is already there. It is a fundamental factor underlying Scouting and Guiding." (Religion and the Boy Scout and Girl Guides Movement-- an address, 1926). "A careful analysis of the Founder's writings shows that the concept of a force above man is basic to Scouting. The whole educational approach of the Movement consists in helping young people to transcend the material world and go in search of the spiritual values of life." (The Fundamental Principles of the WOSM) "The atheists... maintain that a religion that has to be learnt from books written by men cannot be a true one. But they don't seem to see that besides printed books... God has given us as one step the great Book of Nature to read; and they cannot say that there is untruth there - the facts stand before them... I do not suggest Nature Study as a form of worship or as a substitute for religion, but I advocate the understanding of Nature as a step, in certain cases, towards gaining religion" (Rovering to Success, Robert Baden-Powell, 1930, p. 181). "Where a man cannot conscientiously take the line required, his one manly course is to put it straight to his Commissioner or to Headquarters, and if we cannot meet his views, then to leave the work. He goes into it in the first place with his eyes open, and it is scarcely fair if afterwards, because he finds the details do not suit him, he complains that it is the fault of the Executive" (Baden-Powell, Aids to Scoutmastership) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Where can I find information on how the BSA is organized? From: Bill Nelson Date: 28 May 1996 Q. Where can I find information on how the BSA is organized, who makes the decisions, that sort of thing? A. The BSA has a number of publications that contain its organization. All are available to the general public from your nearby Scout Shop. or by mail see: Where can I get official BSA literature & catalog? (below) Check: The Cub Scout Leader Book and The Troop Committee Guidebook An on-line official description is available at: http://www.bsa.scouting.org/comm/scoutorg.htm More on-line information may be found at: http://www.usscouts.scouter.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: What is the mission of the BSA? From: Bill Nelson Date: 29 July 1996 Q. What is the mission of the BSA? A. It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and in other ways prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. (BSA Mission Statement) "Values are those things that really matter to each of us ... the ideas and beliefs we hold as special. Caring for others, for example, is a value; so is the freedom to express our opinions." ("Ethics in Action", BSA 1990) "Ethics deals with what we believe to be good or bad and with the moral obligations that these beliefs imply. Ethics involves the rules for deciding right and wrong and the code of conduct that is based on our decisions. While there are some things that not everybody sees eye-to-eye with in this area, there are a whole lot more that we do agree about. For example, to steal is wrong, for most of us. So too is physical assault. Most of us don't think it is right to cheat in school; many of us think it is injustice to punish someone who didn't do anything wrong. As an idea, ethics is simple, but the consequences are profound!" ("Developing Ethical Leaders Through Action", 1990) The BSA strives to help enrich the lives of young people and make a difference in the kind of people they become. Since 1910, it has been the mission of the BSA to serve others by helping to install values in young people, to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime and achieve their full potential. ------------------------------------------- Subject: Is a BSA unit a public or private institution? From: Bill Nelson Date: 28 Jun 1996 Q. Is a BSA scouting unit a public or private institution? A. A BSA scouting unit (Pack, Troop, Post, etc.) is wholly owned and operated by its sponsoring organization. It is an extension of the sponsoring organization's youth program. BSA Councils are autonomous, private, non-profit organizations incorporated within the State they are headquartered. National BSA and GSUSA are private corporations established under Federal law (see US Code 36 Section 1101). For more information, see the question on how the BSA is organized. -------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Is the BSA a place of public accommodation? From: Bill Nelson Date: 26 Jul 1996 Q. Is the BSA a place of public accommodation? A. The Boy Scouts of America was held not to be a place of public accommodation under federal law in Welsh v. Boy Scouts of America, (7th Cir. 1993). A similar ruling has come down in court cases in a number of states. To paraphrase the Superior Court of New Jersey: The Boy Scouts of America is not a place; it is an entity which embraces and projects through its organization certain moral concepts and values. It neither owns or controls a "place" from which a person can be excluded. The same is true of the Monmouth council. (James Dale v. BSA and Monmouth Council BSA, 1995). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Where can I get official BSA literature & catalog? From: Bill Nelson Date: 5 May 1996 Q. Where can I get official BSA literature & catalog? A. All BSA literature is listed in a guide called Scouting's Library of Literature (70-080) The BSA Catalog has BSA supplies and equipment. They are available free from: BSA Supply Division National Distribution Cntr. 2109 Westinghouse Blvd., P.O. Box 7143 Charlotte, NC 28241-7143 1-800-323-0732 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: What is the BSA position on homosexuality? From: Bill Nelson Date: 10 Dec 1996 Q. What is the BSA position on homosexuality? A. From a position statement dated 6/6/91: For more than 80 years, the Boy Scouts of America has brought the moral values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law to American boys, helping them to achieve the objectives of Scouting. The Boy Scouts of America also places strong emphasis on traditional family values as being necessary components of a strong, healthy society. The Scouting program is designed to be a shared, family experience. We believe that homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the requirements in the Scout Oath that a Scout be morally straight and in the Scout Law that a Scout be clean in word and deed, and that homosexuals do not provide a desirable role model for Scouts. Because of these beliefs, the Boy Scouts of America does not accept homosexuals as members or as leaders, whether in volunteer or professional capacities. Our position on this issue is based solely upon our desire to provide the appropriate environment and role models which reflect Scouting's values and beliefs. As a private membership organization, we believe our right to determine the qualifications of our members and leaders is protected by the Constitution of the United States. JSsd 6/6/91 For more information on BSA leadership requirements see: The Cub Scout Leader Book and The Troop Committee Guidebook It was reported widely in the press that the San Francisco Bay Area Council (http://www.rhosoft.com/sfbac.html) changed their policy on this issue. Stephen Barnes, the Council Executive has denied this and has stated "The National Policy has not changed, and the SFBAC follows all National Policies. We have not made a change in S.F. Bay Council policy... The S.F. Bay Area Council does NOT have a 'Don't ask, don't tell' policy... Our efforts have been to try to focus on communicating what Scouting is about: character development, citizenship, building self-esteem, and teaching leadership. However, the press only wants to talk about sex, and sexuality. I guess that is what sells their papers and advertising. We have not "caved in", nor or we "cowards". At the same time, I think it is very important to teach our scouts tolerance, and to respect the beliefs of others. I must say, I am very disappointed with the way the press has reported this story, it is full of inaccuracies, and I am also very disappointed with some of our own people who have chosen to react emotionally without getting all the facts." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Is the BSA the only organization in the world with such a policy on homosexuality? From: Bill Nelson Date: 27 May 1996 No, there are a number of other scouting organizations throughout the world with similar policies. Many of them are owned by religions (e.g., the Roman Catholic Church), but others are not. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: What is the BSA position on girls in scouting? From: Bill Nelson Date: 27 April 1996 Q. What is the BSA position on girls in scouting? A. The BSA has a coed program for 14-21 year old youth called Explorers. Programs for younger youth are single gender. Leadership positions in all programs are open to both genders. From a BSA Position Statement issued 6/6/91: The Boy Scouts of America is chartered by Congress "...to promote... the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in Scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues..." The Girl Scouts, U.S.A., operates under a similar Congressional charter for the benefit of girls. The Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs were designed to meet the emotional, psychological, physical and other needs of boys between the ages of 8 and 14. Boys in this age range seek out and enjoy group activities with other boys. The Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs were carefully developed with these considerations in mind. The Exploring program, however, is designed to provide a variety of programs for both boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 21. Approximately 40% of the nation's more than one million Explorers are female. There are no plans to restructure Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting to allow for the registration of girls. JSsd 6/6/91 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: What is the position of the BSA as related to God and religion? From: Bill Nelson Date: 10 Dec 1996 Q. What is the position of the BSA as related to God and religion? A. The BSA is a member of the World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM). The BSA holds to the fundamental principles of the movement. Duty to God is a Fundamental Principle of the WOSM (see below for more on the WOSM). From the BSA National Executive Board, June 12, 1991: Reaffirmation of the Position of the Boy Scouts of America on Duty to God. Be it resolved that the following reaffirmation of the position of the Boy Scouts of America relating to the duty to God be, and hereby is, enacted that the bylaws, rules and regulations, and literature of the Corporation reflect this reaffirmation accordingly. In 1985, America celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1910, eighty million Americans have subscribed to the Scout Oath and the Scout Law, which have stood the test of time. The National Executive Board of the BSA proudly states, through its mission statement, that the values which the organization strives to instill in young people are those based upon the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. A Scout pledges: "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law...." The first Boy Scouts of America *Handbook for Boys*, published in August 1911, declares that "..no boy can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God." (page 215) The latest edition of the Boy Scout Handbook, published in 1990, reads: "A scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others." (page 561) While not intending to define what constitutes belief in God, the Boy Scouts of America is proud to reaffirm the Scout Oath and its declaration of duty to God. The following statements are additional information on the BSA position: The Boy Scouts of America has always been committed to the moral, ethical, and spiritual development of our youth. Scouting is not a religion, but duty to God is a basic tenet of the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting does not seek to impose its beliefs upon others who do not share them. Virtually every religion is represented in Scouting, and the BSA does not define or interpret God. That is the role of the Scout's family and religious advisors. Scouting respects those who do not share its beliefs and it would not ask others to alter their faith in any fashion in order to become Scouts. They too are free to follow their own beliefs. Rather, the BSA membership believes that the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Law are central to the BSA goal of teaching the values of self-reliance, courage, integrity, and consideration to others. Scouting may not be for everyone, but for eight decades, Scouting has provided meaningful programs and adventure to more than eighty million young people in the United States. For more information on BSA leadership requirements see: The Cub Scout Leader Book and The Troop Committee Guidebook ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Is the GSUSA part of the WOSM? From: Bill Nelson Date: 27 April 1996 Q. Is the GSUSA part of the WOSM? A. No, the GSUSA is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) For more information, see: The WAGGGS Web page at: http://www.wagggs.org The GSUSA Web page at: http://www.gsusa.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: What is the position of the GSUSA as related to God and religion? From: Bill Nelson Date: 27 April 1996 Q. What is the position of the GSUSA as related to God and religion? A. Adopted at the GSUSA National Conference, 20-25 October, 1993: "THAT, since the Girl Scout organization makes no attempt to interpret or define the word 'God' but encourages members to establish for themselves the nature of their spiritual beliefs, it is the policy of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. that individuals when making the Girl Scout Promise may substitute wording appropriate to their own spiritual beliefs for the word 'God'." Stated explanation for policy change: "For some individuals, the word 'God', no matter how broadly interpreted, does not appropriately reflect their spiritual beliefs. Since the belief in a spiritual principle is fundamental to Girl Scouting, not the word used to define that belief, it is important that individuals have the opportunity to express that belief in wording meaningful to them. It is essential to maintain the spiritual foundation of Girl Scouting, yet be inclusive of the full range of spiritual beliefs. This [policy change] does not take the word 'God' out of the Girl Scout Promise. It gives those individuals who wish to do so the option to state their commitment to the spiritual concepts fundamental to the Movement with a word or words more appropriate to their own beliefs. For instance, an individual may say 'my faith' or 'Allah' or 'the Creator'." --------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue Jun 4 15:41:56 1996 From: dshearer@dshearer.demon.co.uk (Doug Shearer) Subject: What is the aim and methods of UK Scouting? From: The Fundamentals of Scouting Policy : Aim and Method of the Scout Association The Aim of the Scout Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. The Method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult Leadership. Rule 1 Promise & Law Rule 1.1 The Scout Promise and Law The Scout Promise and Law are as follows: PROMISE On my honour, I promise that I will do my best to do my duty to God and to the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Scout Law. LAW 1 A Scout is to be trusted A scout is loyal A scout is friendly and considerate A Scout belongs to the world-wide family of Scouts. A Scout has courage in all difficulties A Scout makes good use of his time and is careful of possessions and property A Scout has self-respect and respect for others. Rule 1.2 The Cub Scout Promise and Law. The Cub Scout Promise & Law are as follows: PROMISE I promise that I will do my best to do my duty to God and to the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Cub Scout Law. LAW Cub Scouts always do their best, think of others before themselves and do a good turn every day. Rule 1.3 The Beaver Scout Promise The Beaver Scout Promise is as follows: I promise to do my best to be kind and helpful and to love God The concepts expressed in the Scout Law are to be presented to Beavers Scouts by their Leaders through games, story telling and other informal activities. Rule 1.4 Variations Scouting is available to all faiths and must therefore take account of the different religious obligations of its members while upholding the essential spirit of the promise. In each Promise the phrase Duty to God or, in the case of Beaver Scouts, to love God is suitable for most faiths (including Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs). Hindus may use either the words my Dharma or God. Orthodox Muslims can use the word Allah in place of God. Buddhists should use only the words my Dharma. Where some other form of wording is required for a member of a particular faith or religion advice should be sought from Headquarters. Rule 1.5 Similarly, foreign residents, who may become members of the Association (see Rule 3.1 (a)) owe allegiance to their own country. To meet these circumstances the phrase duty.. to the Queen should be replaced by the phrase ; duty ... to the country in which I am now living. Rule 1.6 In the case of Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts the decision as to which permitted form of wording should be used in any particular case will be made by the Group Scout Leader in consultation with the parents of the young person concerned. In the case of Venture Scouts, Leaders, Commissioners and other adult members the decision as to which permitted form of wording should be used in any particular case shall be made by the District Commissioner or County Commissioner as appropriate and the person concerned. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue Jun 4 15:41:56 1996 From: dshearer@dshearer.demon.co.uk (Doug Shearer) Subject: How is religion handled in UK Scouting? Policy: The Religious Policy of the Association The Scout Movement includes members of many different forms of religion. The following policy has received the approval of the heads of the leading religious bodies in the United Kingdom. All Members of the Movement are encouraged to : * Make every effort to progress in the understanding and observance of the Promise to do their best to do their duty to God. * belong to some religious body * carry into daily practice what they profess If a Group is composed of members of several denominations or religions, the Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts or Venture Scouts should be encouraged to attend services of their own form of religion. Chaplains may be appointed as advisors in Scout Groups, Districts, Counties and Nationally. A Chaplain may be a Minister of Religion or a lay person. In a Scout Group sponsored by a religious body the religious leader may be appointed as Group Chaplain. National Chaplains may be appointed for religious bodies represented in Scouting ( Rules 20.2, 20.3, and 20.4 apply) Rule 2 Responsibilities within the Religious Policy Rule 2.1 The District Commissioner or the County Commissioner, as appropriate, must be satisfied that all applicants for Leader or Commissioner appointments are fully aware that they will be required by their personal example to implement the Association's religious policy. Rule 2.2 If a Sponsored Group (see Rule 6) has a policy of recruitment restricted to members of one particular form of religion or denomination, the Sponsoring Authority is responsible for the religious training of all the Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Venture Scouts in the Group and it is the duty of the Group Scout Leader to encourage attendance at such religious instruction and observances as the Sponsoring Authority may consider desirable. Rule 2.3 Scout's Own Services may be held for the worship of God and to promote a fuller understanding of the significance of the Scout Promise and Law. Such services must be regarded as supplementary to, rather than a substitute for, formal attendance at the services of the individuals own form of religion. Rule 2.4 If a Beaver Scout, Cub Scout, Scout or Venture Scout is not allowed, by reasons of the individual's own religious obligations, to attend acts of worship other than that of the individuals own faith, the Group Scout Leader must make certain that those obligations are not compromised. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: What is the position of the WOSM as related to God and religion? From: Bill Nelson Date: 27 April 1996 Q. What is the position of the WOSM as related to God and religion? A. Duty to God is a Fundamental Principle of the World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM). Unless otherwise stated, single quotes indicate quotes from the pamphlet Fundamental Principles by WOSM (see below) and double quotes indicate quotes from Chapter 1 of the Constitution of WOSM. 'The principles are the fundamental laws and beliefs which must be observed when achieving the purpose (of the Scout Movement). They represent a code of conduct which characterizes all members of the Movement. Scouting is based upon three broad principles which represent its fundamental laws and beliefs. They are referred to as "Duty to God", "Duty to others" and "Duty to self". As their names indicate, the first refers to a person's relationship with the spiritual values of life; the second, to a person's relationship with society in the broadest sense of the term; and the third, to a person's obligations towards himself.' "Duty to God" "...adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion that expresses them and acceptance of the duties resulting therefrom." Note that the body text does not use the word God. In that way, (the WOSM feels) the clause covers religions which are non-monotheistic, such as Hinduism, or those which do not recognize a personal God, such as Buddhism. 'The above-mentioned principles relating to the spiritual, social and personal dimensions constitute the fundamental laws and beliefs upon which Scouting rests. Consequently, the program of all Scout associations must provide maximum opportunities for the growth of young people on the basis of these principles....the promises and laws of national associations, when first drafted and whenever modified, are subject to the approval of the World Organization.' Upon writing for the pamphlet called: The Fundamental Principles of the WOSM from: World Scout Bureau P.O. Box 241 5, rue du Pre-Jerome CH-1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland You can receive a very nice 12 page document describing the Fundamental Principles as well as Chapter 1 of the Constitution of WOSM. A small donation would be appropriate (but not required) since they are not a large organization. ------------------------------ End of rec.scouting.issues FAQ **************************