The Boy Scout Decline Starts--It Is Not Small

‘IT’S NOT A HATE THING’: BOY SCOUTS FACE MONUMENTAL LOSS AFTER CHOICE TO ALLOW OPENLY-GAY MEMBERS

Jun. 3, 2013 7:57am Billy Hallowell

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Credit: AP

The Boy Scouts of America’s decision to allow openly-gay young men to participate in the organization is already spawning some major membership problems.

While those in support of the new-found policy are frustrated that gay leaders are still not permitted to take part, others who oppose the amendment believe that the group is abandoning its Christian heritage. Among the denominations that may cut off support for the Scouts is the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

Church leaders, according to CNN, are planning to urge the religious order’s 45,000 congregations and 16 million members to officially cut ties with the Boy Scouts. Considering that 4,000 units are currently sponsored by the SBC, this would be a monumental loss for the organization — one that would impact 100,000 young men who participate through this denomination.

This month, the SBC plans to vote on a non-binding resolution at a convention in Houston. The effort will take place on June 11 or 12. And the provision, according to insiders, has a good chance of passing.

“There’s a 100% chance that there will be a resolution about disaffiliation at the convention and a 100% chance that 99% of people will vote for it,” Richard Land, head of the Southern Baptists’ Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, told CNN. “Southern Baptists are going to be leaving the Boy Scouts en masse.”

The SBC has emphasized that even if a resolution is voted upon, that it is up to local affiliates to make decisions about scouting. That said, if Land is correct, the mere non-binding proclamation would have a major impact on the SBC and the Boy Scouts — and it would surely change the relationship between the two parties.

Pastor Tim Reed of First Baptist Church is among those who believe the Scouts should have never changed their rules.

“God’s word explicitly says homosexuality is a choice, a sin,” Reed, who decided to cut his church’s ties with the Scouts, told a CNN affiliate. “It’s not a hate thing here. It’s a moral stance we must take as a Southern Baptist church.”

Watch him discuss the matter, below:

Last week, TheBlaze explored the impact of the Boy Scouts’ decision to allow openly-gay youths. While many view it as a inclusive step, others, like the SBC, fear that it runs counter to the values and morals embedded in the Christian faith. It is likely that many groups will flock to alternative organizations or start their own organiations similar to the Scouts — but with a more faith-based message.

(H/T: CNN)