Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 2015-C037
Title: Support and Sponsor Boy Scouts of America Units
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention congratulate the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for over 100 years of fine work with American youth, teaching leadership, cooperation, teamwork, and ethics in a non-sectarian program emphasizing outdoor and life skills, a program which has reached millions of boys; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention commend the BSA for its recent change to a non-discriminatory membership policy, welcoming all youth to be scouts, irrespective of their sexual orientation, a change consistent with Resolution C031 adopted by the 73rd General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention recommend that vestries and clergy in charge of congregations sponsor or continue to sponsor scouting units (packs, troops, posts and crews), especially those units recently displaced by decisions from other denominations to cease sponsoring scouting units as a consequence of the BSA’s recent change to a non-discriminatory membership policy concerning sexual orientation; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention urge that parishes strongly consider, at the time they charter or renew the registration of their Boy Scout unit, communicating to the Boy Scout Council and to the public that The Episcopal Church strongly disagrees with the BSA’s policy of discriminating against qualified adult leaders based on sexual orientation; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention encourage qualified adults to volunteer as leaders, and otherwise to support the BSA work with youth in their communities; and engage in educational programs within their churches to inform members and others about these nondiscrimination issues; and be it further

Resolved, That insofar as the 77th General Convention affirmed our full inclusion, support, and love for our brothers and sisters in the transgender community at all levels of church leadership and membership, the Episcopal Church is eager to work with the BSA in hopes of making the great benefits and life-long lessons of scouting available to all; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention directs that the Office of General Convention send a copy of this resolution to the BSA’s National Office and the National Executive Board of the Boys Scouts, and to seek discussions to alter its membership policy for adult leaders which discriminates against qualified adults based on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015 (New York: General Convention, 2015), pp. 302-303.