BSA Putting Churches at Risk

The National Executive Board of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) voted this week to end their prior ban on homosexual troop leaders.  Churches and religious organizations who continue to host BSA units are at increased legal risk even though the BSA is offering assurances that their new policy poses no risk.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) recent Obergefell v. Hodges decision … declaring same-sex ‘marriage’ a “fundamental right” and homosexuality an “immutable” characteristic … changes the legal landscape.  This decision … coupled with the BSA’s new membership policy changes … place the religious liberties of churches at even greater risk for legal attack and litigation. 

The dissenting justices on the High Court gave clear warnings that:

·         “… people of faith can take no comfort in the treatment they receive from the majority today.” (Justice Roberts);

·         “… has potentially ruinous consequences for religious liberty.” (Justice Thomas); and

·         “… will be used to vilify Americans who are unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy.” (Justice Alito).

Public accommodation laws and non-discrimination laws are about to become major challenges as a result of the SCOTUS’ rulings.  Attorney Richard Mathews (who served as Legal Counsel to the BSA for 11-years and National General Counsel for 3-years) says, “While the BSA may be well-meaning in its intent to create a local troop option for membership standards for churches, this decision will be unsustainable over time given the hostile nature of the courts and their “evolution” on issues related to gay rights and human sexuality.  Some courts have already declared the BSA to be a public accommodation, and such rulings are likely to increase.  This could have a direct effect upon churches chartering troops in those jurisdictions if they were to face litigation over revoking the membership of the homosexual member who wears his uniform in the Gay Pride Parade, an adult who publicly marries his same-sex partner, or to the girl who believes she is actually a male.”

Matthews goes on to say, “Pastors and priests must also realize that the new local troop option only applies to adult members.  Churches are still prohibited from denying any openly homosexual youth ‘membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference.’ ”

The new BSA resolution clearly affirms that homosexual acts can be “moral, honorable, committed, and respectful.”  This opinion is wholly incompatible with historic Christian theology and ethics and will make it even more challenging for a church to integrate a BSA unit as part of a church’s youth ministry offerings.  [The BSA will no doubt have to modify its oath where it reads – “morally straight” … no pun intended.]

For me (personally), all my life I’ve sat on the three-legged stool of Church, Scouting, and the military.  I was well invested in each of these mainstay institutions of our society.  But in the past 5-years, two of those legs have been kicked out from under me via the progressive gay activists in the armed forces and in this character developing youth program.  All that remains to be conquered is the Church … within which many have already capitulated.  God help us!

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel