In reply to Lynette Haerer.

I ask, which is more important, to hold to tradition or to hold to what is right and clearly proclaimed in scripture? Other commenters on this thread have already pointed out that the allowance of the BSA extends beyond homosexual youth, but includes bisexual and transgendered youth as well.

While there is a right desire to reach out to all youth with the love of Christ, the LCMS cannot maintain integrity in its proclamation of the Gospel if does not also first proclaim the Law in its fullness. LCMS Boy Scout troops who accept LGBT youth may give an appearance of acceptance of the LGBT lifestyle that is contrary to scripture.

Worse still, is the characterization of the BSA as a non-sectarian organization. This should not be interpreted to mean that the BSA is merely a secular organization as I am afraid it has been. In fact, the BSA is a religious organizations as the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod well pointed out years ago. This continuing failure by the LCMS leadership to recognize the BSA a religious organization is troubling. The BSA effectively promotes Unionism and Syncretism in its approach to religion. The LCMS casts a blind eye to this long standing problem. Worse still is the BSA teaching on Duty to God, which effectively promotes legalism or pietism, which runs counter to the pure gospel that the LCMS proclaims.