The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

Original Text of Resolution:

(D050)

Whereas, the Scout movement has for seventy-five years proved its usefulness in the physical, intellectual moral, and spiritual growth of the youth of America; and

Whereas, the Scout movement has proved to be an effective tool for the Church's ministry to youth and families; and

Whereas, a number of Church bodies, including several member Churches of the Anglican Communion, officially recommend and encourage the Scout movement in their congregations; and

Whereas, the Episcopal Church is a major partner organization with the Boy Scouts of America, currently serving 35,061 youth in 1,289 units chartered to Episcopal congregations across the nation; therefore be it

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this Convention congratulate the Boy Scouts of America in this its 75th anniversary year; and be if further

Resolved, That this Convention approve and recommend the use of the scout programs in the parishes and missions of this Church; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention hereby urges a continued emphasis in this program upon its religious elements, including the priority of one's duty to God and neighbor and of the obligations of worship and participation in the church's sacramental life; and be it further

Resolved, That the Education for Mission and Ministry unit be asked to continue to arrange for the circulation of appropriate informational material on the use of this program in our parishes and missions; and be it further

Resolved, That the local congregations of the Episcopal Church be encouraged to organize a pack, troop, or post in their respective areas as part of their parish's ministry and outreach to youth and families.

Proposed Committee Amendment:

The second, third, and fourth, Resolved clauses be reworded as follows:

Resolved, That this Convention approve and recommend the use of the scout ing programs in the parishes and missions of this Church; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention hereby urge a continued emphasis in this program upon its religious elements, including the priority of one's duty to God and neighbor and of the obligations of worship and participation in the church's sacramental life; and be it further

Resolved, That the Education for Mission and Ministry unit be asked to continue to arrange for the circulation of appropriate informational material on the use of this program in our parishes and missions to support this program and to circulate scouting program information to our parishes and missions.

Deputy Rushing of Massachusetts moved an amendment.

Proposed Amendment:

The following be added after the third Resolved clause:

Resolved, That this Convention urges that scouting programs in the parishes and missions of this Church recognize the freedom of belief or unbelief of all youth who are members.

Motion defeated

Amendment defeated

The vote was taken on D050.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #102)