As an Eagle Scout from a troop chartered by a LCMS church, I hope that the LCMS will continue to charter troops, packs, and crews in the BSA. I agree that this sinful lifestyle is contrary to the Word of God which is the absolute authority. I also believe that the scouting movement can also provide many benefits to the youth of our congregations and our country. I see this as an opportunity to help those who struggle with this lifestyle by means of providing them with upstanding role models that may help them see what Christ has planned for our lives. I believe that the LCMS should continue to help provide the valuable resources and experiences offered to the young men and women of our synod because of it's valuable lessons that are not often taught in today's society.

If we look at the troops chartered by LCMS church's in a similar way as the schools we provide, we can see that there are many important lessons we can teach them. Scouting holds to its beliefs that we have a duty to God and we are able to still express and emphasize that through the BSA. People of this lifestyle are not banned from our schools and congregations so why should we stop chartering troops because they have lifted this ban? Instead, we see our schools and congregations as ways for us to reach these people, and all sinners, in a loving way. Why then can we not also treat the troops we charter as a similar mission field?

It is for these reasons that I sincerely hope that our synod will continue to serve God through the troops, packs, and crews of the BSA and continue to help the youth of our congregations learn lifelong values and beliefs founded upon God's Word as we have for so many years. There are still innumerable benefits to the scouting movement.

Please continue to support and charter troops of the Boy Scouts of America through our congregations and schools.