Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Severing Ties with the Boy Scouts Over Liability or Gender Policy?
The recent news regarding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) withdrawing from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has sparked significant debate. Many speculate that the issue is more about financial liability from the BSA lawsuit settlement than any gender policy concerns. This article explores the factors behind this move, focusing on the financial implications and the LDS Church's goal for a uniform experience internationally.
Financial Liability vs. Gender Policy Concerns
The LDS Church's decision to leave the BSA is often attributed to the significant portion of the lawsuit settlement that they are required to pay. According to comments made by LDS Church President R. Elihu Dahlquist, the decision to drop the Varsity/Venturing programs was more about the inability of Church elders to implement these programs, rather than any policy decisions made by the BSA. This view is supported by the large financial liability assigned to the Church.
The BSA, primarily an insurance company, focuses on program certification and record-keeping. They do not directly interact with youths or recommend anyone for leadership positions. The organization also does not monitor the activities of units or the performance of adult leaders. However, they do manage background checks and keep records of accusations or criminal indictments. Until the late 1970s or 1980s, this second-hand information was not reportable or actionable in any manner. Since then, mandatory reporter laws have required them to encourage police investigations after the fact, but only if the charter organization acts on and enforces the exclusion of suspect volunteers.
Background on the LDS Church's Involvement
The LDS Church has always been supportive of Scouting and has encouraged its youth to participate. However, with a growing membership base outside the United States, the Church now faces challenges in providing consistent Scouting programs. Currently, over half of the global membership of the LDS Church is outside the U.S., making it difficult to deliver the Boy Scouts of America as a youth program.
The principle reason for this move is to allow the Church to deliver a youth program that is uniform across all its members, regardless of their location. This is particularly important for the LDS Church, which values a consistent experience for its members worldwide. The decision to withdraw from the BSA, however, does not indicate any objection to admitting girls. The Church has clearly stated that the issue of admitting girls has nothing to do with their decision.
Support for Continued Scouting Participation
Despite the decision to withdraw, the First Presidency of the LDS Church has encouraged its youth to form their own Scouting units and continue participating in Scouting activities. They have been supportive of Scouting programs but clearly do not want to bear the financial burden associated with the BSA lawsuit settlement.
In conclusion, the LDS Church's decision to sever ties with the Boy Scouts of America is primarily driven by financial concerns related to the BSA lawsuit settlement. The Church aims to provide a consistent youth program across all its global membership while ensuring they do not face undue financial liability.