In July of 2015, National BSA headquarters and related BSA governing bodies have resolved to allow Homosexual Leaders in the Boy Scout program.  The ruling, however, allows and supports religious organizations that charter Scout units to establish their own membership policies with regard to this issue so as not to violate their religious beliefs.  ALL Catholic sponsored Scout units in the Diocese of Arlington - as directed by the Bishop - must have their direct contact leaders (leaders who are in direct contact with youth) agree in writing that they will comply with Catholic Canon Law with respect to homosexuality and the Scout program.  As a general rule, all matters of sexuality - of any variety - are considered by Pack 1385 to be personal and sacramental family matters which are not appropriate to be discussed or displayed in the Scouting venue - without exception.  Please see the message below from Father Kevin, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church, for further Catholic guidance on this matter as it will be applied within the Parish of St. Francis.    

From the Pastor's Desk:



On May 23, 2013 the National Council of Boy Scouts of America’s approved a resolution stating that “No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.”   In light of this decision by the Boy Scouts to end their ban on openly gay youth from participating in its activities some people in the parish have asked me if this decision by the Scouts will affect our sponsorship of the Girl and Boy Scout Troops we have in the parish.  My answer is absolutely not!! 



To my way of thinking why should this decision affect our support of scouting?  The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes it very clear in paragraph 2358 that “the number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.”  In my opinion we would be discriminating if we did not allow young people who are homosexual to be a Scout and that would be wrong according to our Catholic Catechism.



Bishop Robert Guglielmone of Charleston, the episcopal liaison of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, responding to The Boy Scouts of America’s approved resolution gave this statement: “I kind of expected that this is the way the vote would go.  I’m not particularly encouraged by it, but I knew it would happen eventually. As the policy change is right now promoted, we can live with it. Unfortunately, there are many people who are interpreting this policy to go much further than it actually does, particularly in the secular press.  Church teaching is very clear that the homosexual inclination is not sinful and that same-sex attraction is not immoral.  But that what we’re dealing with here is the distinction between the inclination and the conduct. The standards remain the same as they always have for Scouts. Homosexual activity will not be condoned.”





When I was young (a long time ago) I was a boy scout and it had a positive effect on my life.  It provided me with great values, an appreciation for this great country we live in, and a love for the outdoors and camping.  I would hate to see any young person being denied what scouting has to offer just because of their sexual orientation which they have no control over.  To discriminate is wrong and it will not be tolerated here at St. Francis.



Fr. Kevin Downey