Statement of the Archdiocese of Washington Regarding Policy Change for Boy Scouts of America Membership

May 23, 2013

The Catholic Church teaches that all people are always to be treated with dignity and respect. The change in the membership policy of the Boy Scouts of America does not affect the teachings of the Catholic Church and the manner in which the Archdiocese of Washington conducts the scouting programs under its purview. Scouting programs seek to instill the importance of duty to God and to country, and groups chartered through the Catholic Church witness to the faith while continuing to provide an opportunity to involve youth in the life of the local parish. The Church, through its clergy and lay leaders, has the responsibility to teach the Gospel and encourage all people to live out the teachings of Christ – regardless of their sexual preference.

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