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June 12th, 2013
02:32 PM ET
Big Baptist group urges ouster of Boy Scout execsBy Daniel Burke, CNN Belief Blog Co-Editor (CNN) - The Southern Baptist Convention, the country's second largest church, said Boy Scout executives who pushed to allow openly gay Scouts without properly consulting members should be ousted from office. In a resolution approved Wednesday at their annual meeting, Southern Baptist leaders stopped short of urging churches to cut ties with local troops in protest of the Scouting change, but didn't encourage them to stay, either. Either way, the historic decision to allow gay Scouts could "complicate basic understandings of male friendships, needlessly politicize human sexuality, and heighten sexual tensions within the Boy Scouts,” the Baptist resolution says. The Boy Scouts of America initially planned to lift its longtime ban on openly gay youth without canvassing members, Southern Baptists charged in a resolution that passed overwhelmingly. The executives behind that plan should be removed, the Baptists said. With 16 million members in some 45,000 congregations, the Southern Baptist Convention is the country’s largest Protestant denomination. Baptists as a whole, including several smaller denominations, sponsor about 4,000 Scouting units representing 100,000 youths. “We have a deep respect for the Southern Baptist Convention and its churches that use Scouting in their youth ministries,” said Deron Smith, a spokesman for the Boy Scouts of America. “Scouting’s youth member policy is not about the BSA condoning homosexuality, or forcing its chartered organizations to do the same.” After BSA leaders floated the idea of allowing gay youths in January, more than 60% of the BSA's 1,400-member national council approved the change in May. It takes effect Jan. 1. The BSA will continue to prohibit any sexual conduct - heterosexual or homosexual - among its youth. The ban on openly gay leaders continues as well. Membership in Boy Scouts has declined nearly 20% since 1999. About 2.7 million young people now participate nationwide. Boy Scouts to allow gay youths to join Smith said opening membership to gay youth “allows Scouting to be more compassionate in its response to a young person who expresses a same-sex attraction.” Faith-based organizations charter more than 70% of Scout chapters, providing meeting space and leadership, according to the BSA. Several of the largest religious sponsors, including the Mormon church, the United Methodist Church and the Roman Catholic Church, have indicated that they do not plan to disaffiliate from the BSA. Still, many conservative congregations, particularly Southern Baptists, have pledged to cut ties with local troops, and some pastors on Wednesday called on the entire denomination to do likewise. “We should stand firmly and keep ourselves from having to revisit this issue in future years,” Pastor Mike Janz of First Baptist Church of Rosamond, California, said Wednesday at the Baptist meeting. Janz’s proposal to urge all Southern Baptists to disaffiliate from the Scouts was handily defeated Wednesday. Still, some top Southern Baptist leaders predict that congregations will leave the Scouts "en masse." Baptists plan exodus from Boy Scouts Pastor Charlie Dale of Indian Springs First Baptist Church in Alabama said churches and Scouts should help, not bar, boys who believe they are gay. “Such a boy needs love,” Dale said. “So let’s bring him in and show him what biblical manhood and real love is about.” Affiliating with Scout troops also provides an avenue for evangelism, said Pastor David Uth of Orlando. “We are very happy to partner (with Scouts) because it gives us access to more families and more boys to share the life-saving gospel of Jesus Christ.” Russell Moore, the new head of the SBC’s powerful Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, called Uth’s approach “wise and gospel-focused.” “This isn’t Disney redux, as some media predicted,” Moore tweeted. The Southern Baptists' resolution encourages churches to consider the denomination's homegrown Scouting alternative, the Royal Ambassadors, a Christian group dedicated to developing "godly young men." Meanwhile, liberal churches pledged to sponsor troops disowned by conservative congregations. For every host organization that has decided to sever ties with their troop, eight to 10 new ones have invited the Boy Scouts into their community, according to Jeff Fulcher, spokesman for the Atlanta Area Council of the BSA. "This membership issue is a sensitive issue with a lot of people in our community,” Fulcher said. “Some can't continue supporting the scouting programs. But the vast majority of the Scouts in our organization still want to continue scouting, and we've had a wide variety of churches, places of worship and civic organizations reaching out to us because they want scouting programs in their neighborhoods.” One such church is the One World Spiritual Center in Marietta, Georgia, where the community extended an invitation to Boys Scout troops soon to lose their meeting place. The Rev. Stephanie Seigh, head of the One World, said the church decided invite the Scouts after learning that Southern Baptists nearby refused to continue hosting their troops. “We teach our children that God is in everyone and everything. We don't discriminate," Seigh told CNN. CNN's Mayra Cuevas contributed to this report.
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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Nothing I love more than thinking about two men holding each other.Just one big turn on.
Do heteros engage in any practices that you find repulsive? Skip the hypocrisy.
Bigotry like yours is the true detriment ...and danger...to our nation. Gay people don't affect you. Your bigotry affects others.
Do you spend a lot of time thinking about men this way? Something you want to tell us about yourself?
in modern speak the word bigotry is used as a talking point. not agreeing with a life style is not bigotry
What is it with you idiots and the term "lifestyle"? Do you think being straight is a "lifestyle"? Dumbfvcks.
The real Tom, we have freewill to chose.
So according to Christians we don't have to "choose" to be hetero but you should "choose" not to be gay. They are truly the biggest group of morons on the planet.
These Southern Babtist's need a reality check on life in the modern world. They also need to find compassion, understanding, and tolerance for those who are different from themselves.
not a very jesus like group.
Rev.Christie Bliss Ley wrote, "These Southern Babtist's need a reality check on life in the modern world."
Life in the modern world you say? Children going hungry in many third world countries, and their parents as well with many dying for lack of food. Riots in many countries where rioters are being pummeled with tear gas and stun grenades. Rioters fighting back with gasoline filled bottles being lit and thrown towards the police riot squads. Child labor factories. Folks going thru the garbage dumps searching for anything worthwhile to gather together and sell for food. Modern world you say? Right!!!!!
And that big bowl full of gas meant exactly what, Vicky?
Even some of the most tolerant posters here keep referring to being gay as a "lifestyle".
Get up to date people. Being gay is not a lifestyle.
Read about psychology and biology. Read about epigenetics. It's not new although there was a very interesting recently article relating to homosexuality in last December's Quarterly Review of Biology. But we've known about epigenetics for quite some time.
Read about this recent post:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509123647.htm
Read about epigenetics and aphids:
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/gri/2012/431531/
Read something! Don't just stay ignorant!
(In other words, in the time of Galileo, if you were like the SBC, were likely to be clinging to the notions that the earth was not flat, that the earth was not the center of the universe, way beyond the time where such thinking was deemed idiotic.)
correction: if you were like the SBC, you were likely . . .
It is actually simply about taking down the church, the Bible and God. Once that is accomplished you can have that grand godless world experiment you have dreamed about. By the way what is the end result for a godless world?
Excuses, excuses, for the Peters and Patricias Pan that refuse to grow up.
Speaking of not growing up, is it believers or nonbelievers who accept unicorns and talking animals as real?
I there weren't other large denominations that disagree with you, then you might have a point. But alas, HS and fred, you not only don't have science on your side, you also don't have all Christians – by a long shot, on your side either. So stay in your cave if you must – see where that gets you.
guess what, we already have a godless world.
Observer
"believers or nonbelievers who accept unicorns and talking animals as real"
=>It is the evil within that would say such a thing to mock the faithful. The unicorn is not the issue as you have exposed the serpents tongue which seeks to deceive and turn the faithful away from God.
=>If you are interested the translation unicorn came from the original Greek and Hebrew name of strong animal with one or two horns. Such and animal did exist and was pictured by the Egyptians and others who extended the true biblical meaning into a mythical animal. I will grant you that some Jewish sects did refer to a unicorn with multicolored coat but that was not in the Bible.
I don't have the slightest desire to "take down the church," you moron. I just wish idiots like you would mind your own fvcking business.
fred,
At least the Bible didn't claim they talk like the Bible did say about other animals
Since you know more about the Bible than the biblical scholars who translated the Bible, maybe you have a new career path.
mama k
Are you sure your not the one in a cave? Do you actually think for one moment a godless world could exist without a counter balance? Even a world run by Christians without counter balance would become Satan's trap. The light is returning to Iran just as the light is returning to China and Russia. In the meantime darkness is moving into our country that escaped the corruption of the Church of England.
Satan? Oh, please.
Tom Tom
No, this is how the fall of civilizations begin. We get fat and soft in the pillow as we sleep while powers are rising around you. I would just love to see how well you do without God fearing souls looking out for you.
red
"this is how the fall of civilizations begin"
The "fall of civilization" was happening THOUSANDS of years ago according to the Bible. Are you just getting the word?
That sounds almost... Eastern(?) fred. God and Satan depend on each other as in Yin and Yang? They could burn you for that, fred, not so long ago, really.
fred, where did I call for a godless world? If you want to interpret my calling out backward sects of organized religion for not keeping up with current knowledge as trying to make the world godless, then I certainly can't stop you from jumping to that idiotic notion.
Name just ONE civilization that has continued to thrive since the beginning of time, you fvcking idiot. Name one nation that has never "fallen". There aren't any, you witless dolt. All empires fall eventually, ferdy. It has nothing to do with morality. It has to do with economic stability, dependable sources of food, the ability to defend against enemies, and other factors. It has nothing whatsoever to do with Christ or Satan.
How can anyone believe the sh!te when it's promulgated by such stupid fvcks?
TomTom
You still cannot get your head around serpent speak can you? There are forces which Saul referred to as principalities of light and darkness. The serpent was simply a mouthpiece as was Stalin, Hitler and the Pope. The gay movement is an advance battle line that is in progress to rid the world of God and the Bible. Corporations have used sex to meet their desires as have the principalities to meet their desires. Why do you think sex was such a hot button throughout the Bible?
Can you just look what is behind the serpent rather than being caught up in the deception? Oldest trick in the book using the oldest ploy in the book (sex)
"I would just love to see how well you do without God fearing souls looking out for you."
Just what "God fearing souls" do you imagine in that empty skull of yours are "looking out for" me? Who are you barfing on about, ferd? I'm in my 50s. I look after myself. I earn my own way and I don't have anyone "looking out for me."
What color is the sky on your planet.
"The gay movement is an advance battle line that is in progress to rid the world of God and the Bible."
Do tell. How is it that two of the most religious guys I know are married to each other? They are active in their church and are far more Christian than you'll ever be.
I see you've been unable to cite any empire that has existed unchanged over the past 2000 years, you ninny.
I swear, ferd appears to think I'm gay. What a moron! He makes HS look sentient.
fred,
"The gay movement is an advance battle line that is in progress to rid the world of God and the Bible."
lol. Yep. They want equal rights and, as the Bible shows, God doesn't like equal rights for people like slaves, women or handicapped people.
The Real Tom
Here is a Nation for you from the loins of Abraham. His name was Isaac and the Lord said I will make a great Nation from you and the seed of salvation will come through you. Well take a close look Israel is that promised nation and has been so since they entered the promised land 3,200 years ago when the Lord changed their name to Israel.
"Well take a close look Israel is that promised nation and has been so since they entered the promised land 3,200 years ago when the Lord changed their name to Israel."
No, it hasn't, you moron.
The Real Tom
What? The entire Old Testament is about God bringing a people through to the promised land and that very first promise to Abraham I will make a nation from your offspring. All the forces of nature and man (including the rebellious nature of the Israelites) could not deter Gods plan. Exactly what part of the Nation of Israel sitting in the promised land do you not get?
Observer
It is not about equal rights. Any man can marry any woman end of story. If your corrupt politicians what to add a new category of marriage that is between you and them the Bible does not address it. Gay marriage is not a biblical problem it is problem for the world and the desires of the world in the absence of a fear of the Lord. I have told you a hundred times "give onto Cesar what is his".
When you drag the Bible down with your hate speech you cause the problem.
fred, you moron, Israel does not exist in the same form as it did when it first came to be. No empire lasts forever. All of them fall, and you have yet to prove otherwise. Nor can you show any proof that any fell as a result of a loss of religious belief. Why are you so stupid? And why do you lie incessantly?
Gays make up the same percentage of the population as they always have, you fucktard. If you are so afraid of a small minority causing the fall of humanity, you must be terrified all the time.
I know you're stupid all the time; you prove it every time you type a word here.
The Roman Empire lasted for a long time, then it became a Christian Empire, and bam it was gone. Doesn't look like the Christian god is the right one after all.
Joey, time to do your research on the decline of the Roman empire.
This may come as a terrible shock to the Southern Baptists, but BSA is not a Southern Baptist organization, and there is not a single reason why their policies should reflect the beliefs of the Southern Baptists. Nor is BSA a Christian organization. Their own website says scouting is for ALL faiths. And ALL faiths don't discriminate against gay people, only some.
the gay life style is a detriment to this nation. it breeds abhorent self gratification.
There is no more a "gay lifestyle" than there is a "straight lifestyle." People are individuals. And I can tell by your comment that you know very little about gay people.
kim kendall,
Bigotry is far worse.
The hetero lifestyle results in 50% of marriages ending in divorce, single parent homes and damage to the well being of children.
disagreeing with a life style is not bigotry
item 2: studies have shown gays are more permiscuous. nancy pelosi horse traded the repeal of bush tax cuts for the repeal of dadt
kim kendall,
Being gay is not a lifestyle. They were born that way.
Being a bigot is a CHOICE for those who are.
Excuses, excuses, for the Peters and Patricias Pan that refuse to grow up. Let's never discuss the real issue, just bury with lies.
You probably admire Kim Kardashian and her long marriage and her child by adultery?
These zealots will dissipate into the smokey history of nonsense and myth. Just as the Norse, Greek and Roman Gods have all passed on so too with Jesus, Mohammad and whoever else these limited thinking monkeys believe in...
where there is systematic injustice religion will flurish
Hi Kim Kendall, did you read that in one of your pamphlets? Oh that's right we are currently being ruled by the 'anti-Christ' Obama and all the world will fall apart in ruin... Funny thing about that logic is it's not new and this has been going on for millennium.
Facts are facts, praying to an invisible dead human who lived thousands of years ago is a fantasy as strong as Zeus and Athena... or Odin... or....
Lessee, who was it said "whatever you do the least of mine you do to me". Seek the light
And burn a goat too, just like that guy commanded...
If you are going to quote the bible to make your apeal at least make sure you get it right. You sound as much of a bigot as the ones you are aiming to chastize but failed miserably.
I was happy to hear the outcome of the BSA meeting. However, recently I have had a concern. I wouldn't want my teen boy sleeping in the same tent as another teen girl. I don't think it is appropriate or teaching the correct relations between boys and girls. So if a boy is gay, should he be sleeping in the same tent as other boys? I don't want him making moves on my boy just like I wouldn't want my son to do that to any girl (or vice versa) in the confines of a tent.
Also, for those of you who say the BSA isn't a religious organization, you must not be familiar with the some of the foundational principles of the scouting program. For example, the Scout oath, which is said at the beginning of every meeting states:
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Gays aren't chicks. Long, long ago, a sage gent told me if you are "hit" on and aren't one , just say so right off and they will leave you alone. It works that way folks. Very simple.
God favors those who are morally straightened. May God find you as being a blessing to your family.
From what I recall, experimentation in that area wasn't limited to gay kids... kind of a normal part of growing up for most kids, I think.
pat, you either do not know many of those or are just lying because I have met many and they are either trying to recruit or will just force themselves on you but that is just what has happened to me.
You Baptists are fighting a losing battle. GAY IS NOW OK
Probably America doesn't care want the dying Baptist have to say about modern America.
Get over it GIRLS.
We will let u dance
Ban Baptists.
NO! YOU PATHETIC, CULTIST, HATEFUL, UNCHRISTLIKE, MONKEY F#@KS! OUST YOUR LEADERSHIP, SOUTHERN CAVEDWELLERS!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqXWS7Efgcc
The church ought to address the "divorce" endemic that is plaguing culture.
Can't blame the children who are from broken homes for all the psychological problems they go through as a product of divorced homes.
Actually the divorce rate has been going down for the past 20 years or so. Those that are getting married are more likely to be religious and stay together. There's a couple reports from the CDC that show this; one is called :First Marriages in the United States: Data From the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth. There's others ones too if you look them up.
Even if that divorce rate for the religious was zero, it would not prove the claims of the religion about a god.
So many straw men, so little time.
There is no doubt that divorce has a negative impact on general wellness of a child.
Church in general must address this rampant problem.
Antony wrote. "Can't blame the children who are from broken homes for all the psychological problems they go through as a product of divorced homes."
My niece and nephew came from a broken parental relationship and they both turned out okay. My niece is married with three kids and my nephew has joined the Navy. They both do not smoke even though their parents and I smoked. I am very proud of my brother's kids! Therefore, your stance uon a product of divorced homes is a moot point.
root of evil, tell it to the media.
The impact of divorce on children cannot be undermined. The general psychological impact has been studied.
Studies reveal that If both partners experienced divorce as children they are three times more likely to divorce themselves.
Lochte
Then am I to consider that your view is a numbers' racket? What are the odds against the numbers?
Loopy Vicky says: "My niece and nephew came from a broken parental relationship and they both turned out okay."
This has to be one of the funniest things I've read today. As if some nutbag like you is able to make a judgment about anyone else being "okay."
And what part of "statistics" are you unable to wrap those two desiccated brain cells around, Vicky Dick? Your anecdotes are meaningless. Plenty of research has been done about the effects of divorce on kids-it's harmful.
Kids in stable homes with two gay parents who love each other, on the other hand, do just fine.
You and HS-two boobs without a bra.
Lionly
Good to hear your nephew and nieces are the exceptions to the general studies that have revealed adverse psychological studies on kids whose parents have divorced.
The church should address the problem, a little too late, nevertheless, must be addressed.
Templar Knights
"Judge not, that you be not judged." I guess the baptists didn't get to that part of the teachings of their main man, Jesus.
Don't be so judgmental in your scripture,,,
Way to go Baptists, drilling holes in your own ship. We are enjoying watching it sink. Forcing your ignorance and bigotry on others isn't working as well as you had hoped is it?
That's right. One can surely feel that good old xtian hate.
So ignorant of the truth... it hurts my eyes.
Too funny, I bumped into another dummy handle of Tommy Tom's. LOL
You are delusional, HS. My first post today is the one at 9:48.
What kind of idiot are you?
Did anyone else see the irony in the California pastor condemning the policy and the Alabama pastor condoning it?
Nope. Please explain
You mean the two of them just being freckles among on the ~40,000 Xtian sects of insanity?
BSA is not a church. Scouting is not a religion. Boys are encouraged to get their spiritual rudder from their INDIVIDUAL churches, not all of which are Christian, let alone Baptist. You cannot be accepting of boys from other faiths and then demand that one set of morals/values from one church overshadow the others.
Considering the southern baptists' history of bigotry and intolerance, they are the ones that should be ousted. Hatred in the name of god- makes me sick.
These zealots will go the way of Zeus and the rest of Norse Gods and rest of the Pagan religions.
Moron.
They left ... why would they think they could still have any kind of control, after they left? Babtists – what the boyscouts, or anyone else, does, is none of your business! If you don't want to be involved, good, don't go, as you have done! And good riddance! You bunch of hateful bullies!
Atheists whining about something is breathing for them. LOL.
Oh, look. I knew I smelled sulfur and there she is-the source of the stink, HS.