Scout Association News

Great news.

That is indeed good news.

I heard yesterday that the Guides are thinking of dropping God from the promise which would please my younger GD who is about to join up but is a determined atheist.

Fingers crossed, Bags - you will get there in the end.

Breakthrough!

The chief executive of the Scout Association, Derek Twine, says in the Telegraph that there will be a new scout promise for people with no religious faith.

Let's hope this holds up.

You're welcome, pogs

Bags

Thanks.

I think I was naive and if I now understand things, this is all about atheists as opposed to having a God albeit from any religion?

I genuninely thought the oath was for Cof E/Catholic religions so it makes a little more sense to me now.

Locally, by the way, I'm known as the Cub Leader. It's the institutuion that's at fault. Most scouty types are great people, whatever their religious views or lack of them, and very accepting of others.

Which is one of the WHOLE POINTS of scouting!

Yes, that's it in a nutshell, G. So, in answer to your question, pogs, any god, or multiples thereof, will do. No god is not acceptable because atheists are incarnations of the devil, obviously [sarc]. Or maybe the Scout Association is just disgustingly prejudiced. Sorry if that sounds harsh. It just is. The harshness is not directed at individuals. I've said all this to my District Commissioner and the whole group of leaders, so they all know. I just hope they passed on my views, and that other commissioners passed on the views of their atheist members too.

Just to show how silly it is, I've been running the Cub Pack around here for over four years now. I have a leader's warrant but they won't officially call me the Cub Leader. I'm the Assistant Cub Leader (assisting myself, I suppose). It's really quite insulting if you're an insultable sort of person. Fortunately I'm not; I just think the nobs of the Scout Assoc are a bunch of nincumpoops on this subject. Sad really.

It seems they will accommodate all sorts of gods, just not no god. I suggest everybody wanting to join embraces Klingon.

Bags

Forgive me when I ask, because I think it would be very good for the Scouts to be inclusive for all children and adaults, but what was the message being sent by those scouts on t.v. today who were wearing scout sweat shirts with wording such as 'I am a muslim, I am a scout'. It gave the impression that the scouts had already embraced the idea.

Was it a sham for the media in your opinion?. I certainly am not asking that question in a sarcastic fashion but I respect your view as you have told us of your connection to the scouts and you are probably the best person to answer.

It cannot be that difficult to come up with something more general surely.

Perhaps something about respecting others right to beliefs or to no belief and and making it your duty to promote others freedoms dignities and inherent worthiness, respecting other races etc.

I can't think it through right now. I have to go and do my duty to my stomach before I go out tonight.

That's good news. My GS is a newly enrolled Beaver and his unit is attached to a church. Even at 7, he has reservations about that. His 10-year-old cousin is planning to join the Guides soon and I wonder what she's going to make of that promise as she makes no bones about being an atheist.

Actually, you know, there are plenty more like me in the scouts and guides. I think the reason for that is that we feel we can do more good in the movement (with all its warts) than out of it. I think the nobs in charge know that too, which is whynwe haven't been kicked out. Thank goodness, in a way, for clumsy districts where they do kick someone out, or refuse to let them join; that gives it all some publicity. Today's news of a discussion about the possibility of a promise suitable for non-religious people is a start. It's a step in the right direction.

I was called "inquisitive" at school. Took me some time to understand that it was a polite expression for "nosy-parker"

Oh wait! They used to call me "bold" at school. That'll be it. [gofrit boldness emoticon]

It's because I'm so bloody brilliant, jings!

Gotta be something like that [puzzled myself!]

I've never known how you get away with it Bags. But long may you continue to do so.

That kid looks so American!

"clean in thought word and deed" is cruel for adolescents!

Will look in more detail after porridge.

There was someone on local radio this morning from the Scout Association (I was half asleep so didn't get his name), he said they would be keeping the existing promise but are considering a wording for a promise by atheists.

More weasel words just now on the Today programme.
I don't see the problem in framing a promise to do your best to be helpful and kind to other people and to uphold the law. I have strong reservations about Baden Powell and his obsession with 'clean minds'. The emphasis on the evils of masturbation must have caused untold distress to many people.

It's interesting that many Scout and Guide groups (or their younger versions) have waiting lists. It's leaders that are in short supply and I can't believe that's solely because the atheists who might otherwise volunteer are put off by the promise! Very few people now have the kind of lives that would allow for the enormous commitment a leader makes in terms of time and skills. And to the ones who do, Respect!

So, in my head, I'm promising to do my best in everything I undertake, and to be kind and helpful. That's all I ask of the kids. It's plenty!