The Mormon church, the largest sponsor of Boy Scouts of America (BSA), said Wednesday it will continue supporting the youth organisation although the latter's leadership made a decision that ran counter to the church's beliefs when it recently lifted its own ban on gay scout leaders.
In a resolution announced last July 28, the BSA said it would now allow gay adult leaders although it will still allow church sponsors to recruit scout unit leaders based on their religious beliefs, according to TIME.
The Mormon church, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, remains opposed to gay marriage. The church has more than 15 million members worldwide including more than 6 million in the United States.
In a statement, the Mormon church said, "In the resolution adopted on July 27, 2015, and in subsequent verbal assurances to us, BSA has reiterated that it expects those who sponsor Scouting units (such as the Church) to appoint Scout leaders according to their religious and moral values 'in word and deed and who will best inculcate the organisation's values through the Scouting program.'"
"At this time, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will go forward as a chartering organisation of BSA, and as in the past, will appoint Scout leaders and volunteers who uphold and exemplify Church doctrine, values, and standards," it said.
The church said it "appreciates the positive contributions Scouting has made over the years to thousands of its young men and boys and to thousands of other youth."
It said they want the BSA "to succeed in its historic mission to instil leadership skills and high moral standards in youth of all faiths and circumstances, thereby equipping them for greater success in life and valuable service to their country."
"With equal concern for the substantial number of youth who live outside the United States and Canada, the Church will continue to evaluate and refine program options that better meet its global needs," the church said.
