"We can all agree that kids are better off when they are in Scouting . . ."

This statement has been repeated several times through press conferences, interviews, and official statements by the Boy Scouts of America. Many are agreeing. Many are disagreeing. 

In case you're not sure what I'm referring to . . . On Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, the Boy Scouts of America National Counsel took in roughly 1400 votes concerning their policy about youth who are openly gay. Regardless of their sexual orientation, all youth will now be able to participate in the program. The decision will be officially implemented January 2014. Their policy on leaders remains the same. (The LA Times provided a nice, brief summary) 

I find myself conflicted in how to react to this change in policy. Scouting is a wonderful program that has changed thousands, even millions of lives. My dad has proudly participated in the program for most of his life from youth to leader. Though, as a girl, I've never been a boy scout (weird, right?), I've seen the good that it has done for my father and the young men that I know. It is an invaluable program. Many are questioning what BSA stands for now, though. 

Does this change in policy fundamentally change what Scouting is? What it stands for? Have they really bent their principles and "marred their image" as some have suggested? I'm not sure. It depends on who you talk to. So... I started researching. My research is based on a variety of sources that I found reliable and helpful, but I am genuinely interested in your sources and opinions. I think that this policy change is a historical event that we should take interest in whether or not we are involved with Scouting. It is based on an issue that is causing conflict in families and, thus, society. Please feel free to share your thoughts. Respectfully, por favor. 

Here are some of the things I've taken into account and questions I've asked: 

A Los Angeles Times article quoted two men opposed to the change, saying:

"Frank Page, president of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, issued a statement: 'We are deeply saddened that the voting delegates of the Boy Scouts of America overturned their constitutionally protected expressive message that homosexual behavior is incompatible with the principles enshrined in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. ... Our sadness for the Scouting organization as a whole cannot be overstated.'"

"Jonathan Saenz, president of the Austin-based conservative advocacy group Texas Values, which organized a protest outside the annual meeting, called the vote a 'tragic decision' that showed the Boy Scouts had “chosen to place sex and politics above its timeless principles.'"

Was this an alteration of the principles Scouting was founded on? Has it compromised the morality of the program?

To read the full statement from the Boy Scouts of America, visit their webite, but this is a portion of it:

 "The Boy Scouts of America will not sacrifice its mission, or the youth served by the movement, by allowing the organization to be consumed by a single, divisive, and unresolved societal issue. As the National Executive Committee just completed a lengthy review process, there are no plans for further review on this matter."While people have different opinions about this policy, we can all agree that kids are better off when they are in Scouting. Going forward, our Scouting family will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth in order to help them grow into good, strong citizens. America's youth need Scouting, and by focusing on the goals that unite us, we can continue to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve."

CNN quoted the 103-year old organization saying, 

"The resolution also reinforces that Scouting is a youth program, and any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting,"

Matthew 22:37-40 says:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, this is the first and great commandment.
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” [Matthew 22:37–40.]

How do we best do this?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who has had a strong, long-standing relationship with BSA, said in a statement April 25th,

"The current BSA proposal constructively addresses a number of important issues that have been part of the on-going dialogue including consistent standards for all BSA partners, recognition that Scouting exists to serve and benefit youth rather than Scout leaders, a single standard of moral purity for youth in the program, and a renewed emphasis for Scouts to honor their duty to God. 

"We are grateful to BSA for their careful consideration of these issues. We appreciate the positive things contained in this current proposal that will help build and strengthen the moral character and leadership skills of youth as we work together in the future.” 

From what I can understand, BSA has moved to try and have a positive influence on all youth who have a desire to be involved in Scouting, whatever their beliefs or sexual orientation. I believe their intent was good. I'm just not sure what the implications of this action are? Where is this leading? Or is it strictly something that's trying to benefit the youth of America? 

We are all children of a God that loves us unconditionally. This does not mean He endorses all activities. For me, I keep asking the ultimate Christian question: WWJD? What would Jesus do? 

What do you think? What implications does this have for the youth? For the parents? For families? For America?