Archbishop attacks Girl Scouts over support for gay and trans people
An Archbishop has attacked one of the oldest youth organisations, the Girl Scouts, over its acceptance of gay and trans people.
A letter was sent by St Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson to priests and scout leaders, saying the Girl Scouts’ acceptance of LGBT people goes against Catholic teachings.
“Girl Scouts is exhibiting a troubling pattern of behaviour and it is clear to me that as they move in the ways of the world it is becoming increasingly incompatible with our Catholic values,” Carlson’s letter reads.
“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,” he went on.
The letter, sent on 18 February, criticised the secular organisation’s views.
He also criticised the Scouts’ refusal of a $100,000 gift pledged, specifying that it “wouldn’t support transgender girls.”
“Since the funds were designated this way, Girl Scouts declined the gift and instead used the national media attention to raise over $300,000 with the tagline that Girl Scouts is ‘for every girl,’” the website said.
The letter also instructed pastors to meet with troops which meet on their property “to conduct a meeting with troop leadership to review these concerns and discuss implementing alternative options for the formation of our girls.”
The comprehensive letter also addressed questions such as “Can I still buy Girl Scout Cookies?”
“Each person must act in accord with their conscience,” the archdiocese said. “Here are a few things to consider when making your decision: There is a licensing fee attached to each box of Girl Scout cookies produced, paid to GSUSA.”
Bonnie Barczykowski, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri CEO said: “Although we are a secular organisation, we greatly value our long-standing partnerships with religious organisations across many faiths.”
“I am grateful for what you do each and every day as parents and leaders of these young women. I am here to support you and your girls. We are honored that you choose Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri,” she continued.
