On April 2, 2014, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a report resulting from its inquiry, in which they cited the Girl Scouts' support of “sexual and reproductive health/rights” as a problematic aspect of the group's current affiliation with the international organization.
The Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth “recognized to be morally objectionable any type of promotion, advocacy, or education on ‘sexual and reproductive health/rights’ as this phrase is commonly understood, especially since the phrase often includes abortion.”
The report suggested that concerned parents discourage their girl scouts from participating in Girl Scout events and fundraising and stated that individual girl scouts can choose not to wear their pins. Moreover, the committee urged clear communication and strong parental involvement at the local level.
They suggested that, instead of associating with the Girl Scouts, “troops might encourage prayer for girls and young women around the world” and “propose concrete initiatives and projects of service and solidarity” that work to affirm “the authentic dignity and vocation of women.”
Overall, the committee report stated that the bishop conference’s interactions with the Girl Scouts were “pleasant, informative and respectful,” and the report left any broad policy recommendation regarding future association with Girl Scouts USA to the local bishops.
On Feb. 18, 2016, Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis created the Catholic Committee for Girls Formation.
In a letter to Pastors, scout leaders and other Catholics, Archbishop Carlson urged a severance from the Girl Scouts, which he said promotes values that conflict with church teaching. He intended for the committee to demonstrate “ongoing commitment to educating and forming all young women.”
On May 1, 2017, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, made public his decision to transition his archdiocese from Girl Scouts USA to the American Heritage Girls.
In his letter, Archbishop Naumann explained that this decision was based on hundreds of hours of research. He described Girl Scouts use of pro-choice role models, claiming that these women “not only do not reflect our Catholic worldview but stand in stark opposition to what we believe.”
“To follow Jesus and his Gospel will often require us to be counter-cultural,” Archbishop Naumann wrote. “With the promotion by Girl Scouts USA of programs and materials reflective of many of the troubling trends in our secular culture, they are no longer a compatible partner in helping us form young women with the virtues and values of the Gospel.”
God bless these two Bishops for their courage in taking effective action to separate the Church from the Girl Scouts.
More Bishops need to join with them in condemning the Girl Scouts for their advocacy of abortion and other reproductive rights of women. To look the other way and ignore this issue is cowardly and despicable on behalf of those charged with the spiritual welfare of innocent girls so vulnerable to such secular and immoral rhetoric.
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