APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – An Appleton church has decided to cut ties with the Boy Scouts after more than 60 years as partners.
Faith Lutheran Church Pastor Dan Thews says the weekly meetings of Boy Scout Troop 73 will soon end.
“We kind of feel like we didn’t end the relationship, but the Boy Scouts ended the relationship,” Thews told FOX 11.
The reason?? The national Boy Scout Association’s executive board voted last July to end its ban on gay adult leaders.
“When they made that decision, it’s just incompatible with our understanding of the scriptures about homosexuality,” said Thews
Troop chairman ET Mejia says his group knew this was a possibility.
“We understand the church’s position, so we have to do what we have to do,” Mejia said.
Pastor Thews says other churches face the same decision.
“In the weeks and months ahead, every Missouri-Synod congregation will be making that decision,” said Thews. “I’m sure it’s going to pass on to other churches as well as the BSA decision sort of floats down to the local level.”
Mejia says at least two organizations are considering forming a partnership so scouting will continue. He expects the group will move to a new home no later than June 1.
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