Lloyd Dunnavant Chaplain Aide

Interfaith Worship Service

Charter and Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America Article IX. Policies and Definitions—From the Charter and Bylaws

Section 1. Declaration of Religious Principle, clause 1.The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. In the first part of the Scout Oath or Promise the member declares, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law.” The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. No matter what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before them. The Boy Scouts of America, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and the organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.

Interfaith Worship ServiceInterfaith ?

• Diversity and Inclusiveness

Worship ?• A Scout is Reverent

Planning an Interfaith Worship Service

Recognizing Diversity in an

Interfaith Worship Service

Got it?

Got it?

1. True or FalseThe Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God.

Religious principleAnswer: TRUE:The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no person can

grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, acknowledges the religious element in the development of youth members.

However, the BSA is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious development. Its policy is that the organization or institution with which youth members are connected shall give definite attention to their religious life.

Only adults willing to subscribe to this declaration of principle and the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership.

Got it?

2. Choose the correct answer(s) The 12th point of the Scout Law includes the following responsibilities:a. personal religious obligationsb. duty to countryc. respect for the beliefs of othersd. all of the above

Boy scout handbookAnswer: a and c.A Scout is reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in

his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.Wonders all around us remind us of our faith in God. We find it in the

tiny secrets of creation and the great mysteries of the universe. It exists in the kindness of people and in the teachings of our families and religious leaders. We show our reverence by living our lives according to the ideals of our beliefs.

Throughout your life you will encounter people expressing their reverence in many different ways. The Constitution of the United States guarantees each of us complete freedom to believe and worship as we wish without fear of punishment. It is your duty to respect and defend the rights of others to their religious beliefs even when they differ from your own.

Got it?

3. Choose the correct answer(s)The word “nonsectarian” means

a. nondenominationalb. ecumenicalc. not affiliated with any specific religiond. all of the above

“absolutely nonsectarian”

Answer: c.• A non-denominational service: is for

Protestants, possibly appropriate for all Christians.

• An ecumenical service: one suitable for the whole Christian church.

• A nonsectarian service: one not affiliated with any specific religion.

Got it?4. Choose the correct answer(s)Which of the following could be a violation of a

religious belief?a. recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United

States of Americab. removing one’s hat when indoors and/or during a

mealc. expecting everyone to taste a particular foodd. attending a program event or activity on a

Saturdaye. drinking coffee, tea, or cola

Got it?

Answer: All the above could be a violation.

5. True or FalseIn accordance with their agreement with the Boy Scouts of America, some places of worship that charter Scouting units can require members of their units to participate in religious ceremonies and services distinctive to that place of worship.

BSA By-laws:

Answer: False

“In no case where a unit is connected with a church or other distinctively religious organization shall members of other denominations or faiths be required, because of their membership in the unit, to take part in or observe a religious ceremony distinctly unique to that organization or church.”

Got it?6. True or FalseAn interfaith worship service is one that all Scouts and Scouters may attend. It requires careful planning to ensure that it does not violate the beliefs of any religion.Answer: True

7. True or FalseSome religions have specific requirements that cannot be fulfilled through an interfaith worship service. Other arrangements might be necessary for Scouts of those faiths to fulfill such commitments.Answer: True

Got it?

8. True or FalseOf the eight major religions in the world, all are represented in the BSA’s religious emblems program.

Answer: False

Got it?9. Choose the correct answer(s) “Duty to God” and “religious duties” are in:

a. The Cub Scout Promise e. The Venturing Oathb. The Law of the Pack f. The Venturing Code c. The Scout Oath g. All of the aboved. The Scout Law

Answer: all except b.

A Scout is Reverent