The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is severing its longstanding relationship with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), a partnership that has spanned over a century. This decision arrives amid significant shifts within the BSA, which has made headlines for its evolving policies on inclusion. Notably, in recent years, the organization has embraced gay members and leaders, and has begun accepting children based on their gender identity. Most recently, the BSA announced that girls would be allowed to join, alongside a name change to Scouts BSA, effective February 2019.
The LDS Church has been one of the BSA’s principal supporters, with approximately 425,000 boys involved in scouting programs. However, by December 31, 2019, all LDS boys will transition out of the Boy Scouts and into a new “uniform youth leadership and development program” that the Church is establishing. The Church’s statement indicates that this initiative aims to provide leadership and development opportunities for all youth, fostering their faith in Jesus Christ while helping them build character and resilience.
While the Church has presented this move as a step toward creating a more tailored program for its members, many observers on social media are questioning the timing of the announcement, especially in light of the BSA’s recent policy changes. Regardless of the motivations behind the decision, this marks a significant setback for the BSA, which may struggle to sustain its membership numbers without its largest sponsor. However, by opening its doors to children of all genders, the BSA may ultimately strengthen its position in the long run.
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In summary, the LDS Church’s decision to end its relationship with the BSA comes amidst the latter’s efforts to embrace inclusivity, raising questions about the future of scouting programs and their appeal to families.