I was mostly curious as to whether BSA is quasi-religious everywhere or just locally. I had never thought of it as an arm of a religious organization, probably because they are basically non-existent where I grew up.
Can any church sponsor a troop? For example could an Islamic or Jewish church sponsor?
Edit: After some research it does appear that any religion including Islam and Buddhists meet the qualifications for BSA. There's even an International Union of Muslim Scouts. I learn something new everyday.
Eagle Scout in '72 and a retired adult leader after over 10 years as an ASM, Outdoor Chairman, Advancement Chairman, etc.
Regarding my views on BSA and religion. The mormon church, from what I've heard, does control a good portion of scouting and has a plan for exiting if they so choose. Had a very informativeand interesting conversation with a group of adult leaders from a mormon troop during leader training years ago. They do run things a little different. First and foremost, they don't have to do any fund raising as it's all funded by the church. From what I was told, 'all' boys are 'required' to join scouts so there's no recruiting either. They do bug out of any joint campouts, like Camporee to be home Sunday for church, but that's about it and understandable. Very little other interaction between mormon troops and other troops in our district.
On the subject of sponsors, any organization can be a sponsor from what I know. Seems to me though that most are now in churches because of limited or no access to be able to meet at school community rooms, etc. these days and perhaps because of the continuing uproar of BSA using public facilities given certain positions that BSA holds (gays in particular I think). My troop met at a local school community room when I was a kid.
Reverence is the 12th point in the scout law. Emphasis on religion, I believe is up to each troop, their sponsor and their leaders. While I never view troops as a church outreach program, some do. Both my troop as a kid and as an adult held scouting's version of church on Sunday morning called Scouts Own. There's so much more to scouting than religion IMHO. I hope it doesn't become a devisive issue. It shouldn't. You found your answer about BSA embracing different religions. Religion in BSA is not just about Christianity and that's good.
I'll stop there so this thread doesn't get moved to Chat/Religion.
I thoroughly enjoyed the campouts my son and I went on while he was involved, so much that I stayed on as an adult leader for another 5 years after he quit. I dont'miss the weekly meetings, but we went on some type of outing/campout every month. Kept us busy and very active as a troop. I miss those campouts and summer camp too!
