Belief In God And Its Role In Scouting

March 30, 1995

One of the requirements for a Scout to become an Eagle is to attest to the fact that he has a genuine belief in a Supreme Being.

From the beginning of the scouting movement there has been a recognition of the importance of a belief in a Supreme Being in the development of good character and an adherence to a proper moral code, such as the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. It is because of this recognition that the Oath contains a solemn promise to "... do my duty to God ...". In addition, one of the points of the Scout Law states that a Scout is "Reverent".

The adult leader's application form contains a "Declaration of Principle" which states:

"The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no boy can grow in to the best kind of citizen without recognizing his obligation to God and, therefore, acknowledges the religious element in the training of the boy, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the organization or institution with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to his religious life. Only persons willing to subscribe to this declaration of principle and the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership."

The foregoing applies also to Scouts in general and, specifically, to candidates for Eagle.

If any parent, Scout or Scouter feels that the foregoing requirements may present difficulty, either now or in the future, the Scoutmaster should be contacted immediately.