Catholic Archbishop tells churches to throw out Girl Scouts because they’re too pro-gay
A Catholic Archbishop has asked churches to throw out their local Girl Scout troupes because the organisation is too pro-gay.
The Archbishop of St Louis made his “concerns” public in a letter attacking the Girls Scouts USA organisation, in which he claimed it was incompatible with the Catholic faith.
Archbishop Robert Carlson wrote: “Recent concerns about GSUSA and their position on and inclusion of transgender and homosexual issues are proving problematic. Our culture is becoming increasingly intolerant of a Catholic worldview regarding these issues.
“While Catholics are called to treat all people with compassion and mercy, we must at the same time be mindful of whom we allow to teach and form our youth and the messages they present. Because local Girl Scout troops are chartered with GSEM, not the parish, any authority on policy and teaching resides with GSEM rather than with parish leadership.
“In addition, given the fact that the Girl Scout program is a secular organization, they are not obliged to uphold the teachings of our faith.
Announcing he wants the Girl Scouts to be thrown out of churches, he said: ”
“I take all of these concerns very seriously. Therefore, I am asking each pastor that allows Girl Scout troops to meet on parish property to conduct a meeting with troop leadership to review these concerns and discuss implementing alternative options for the formation of our girls.
“Our primary obligation is to help our girls grow as women of God. Several alternative organizations exist, many of which have a Catholic or Christian background.
He added: “I ask that you carefully study each organization and strongly consider offering one of these programs in your parish instead of Girl Scouts.
“Effective immediately, I am disbanding the Catholic Committee on Girl Scouts and instead forming a Catholic Committee for Girls Formation that will be charged with ministry to all girls in various organizations.
“While continuing to serve our Catholic girls involved in various scouting programs, this committee will also reflect our ongoing commitment to educating and forming all young women.”
He continued: “I am aware that many of our young women are active in Girl Scouts and any action taken against the organization affects them first. To aid in this process, the Catholic Youth Apostolate is available to offer assistance in helping your parish.
“They are continuing to strategize new Catholic formation programs to address the spiritual, emotional and personal well-being of all Catholic girls.”
