The resolution voted upon by the Boy Scouts is one that will not be able to remain as is - and this is recognized by all sides on this issue. It is completely untenable to think that an openly gay eagle scout could be part of the organization until he is 17 years and 364 days old, but that on his 18th birthday he is suddenly no longer able to serve because of his sexual orientation. At this present time, some scout troops are already pressing ahead by ignoring this resolution and have determined to have open, avowed scout leaders and adults serve. Law-suits are almost certain to follow. Gay activists are not accepting this and as a result, this compromise resolution will soon fall. In my opinion, in the near future full and open, avowed homosexuality among scouts and scout leaders will become part of the Boy Scouts.

Clearly, scouts who have struggled with same sex desires have been part of the organization for years. That doesn't bother anyone, or at least it shouldn't. Confusion often exists among young people regarding their sexuality. For scouts like this, strong male leadership can be a very good thing. And some individuals who might always struggle with same sex desires, know that these desires are contrary to God's Word and bear a great cross. But the wonderful message we proclaim is that God loves all sinners in Christ, as He loves us poor miserable wretches, and that He will give us His strength to bear all our crosses and walk before Him. The problem with this decision by the Boy Scouts is that it now condones same sex desires and holds up something that is clearly contrary to God's Word and nature and declares it to be "morally straight." Yes, it is true that all of us are disordered because of sin, but God's Word does not give license to that disorder. We shouldn't go about bragging, for example, about our lust or greed or envy or our quick temper. As Luther said about temptation, "You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” The Boy Scouts have now said that there is nothing wrong if the birds build their nest and that on your very head. And soon, very soon, individual scout troops will not be allowed to say anything contrary to that...including those troops sponsored by Christian churches.

The camel is asking only to get his nose into the tent, but soon his whole body will be inside, and when he does, he will ask you to leave. There will be no room for you. Like that camel with his nose, they are asking you now to tolerate them, but they will not tolerate you when they have full access. That day is sadly at hand. God give us strength to speak His Word boldly.

The Rev. Berton L. Greenway
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania