UM Bishop testifies against the Boy Scouts' ban on homosexual Scout leadersMARCH 3, 1998 Source: THE APPELLATE DIVISION SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY Retired Bishop testifying for the plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America represents the UMC position as being against the BSA's ban on avowed homosexuals as Boy Scout leaders. Representing Boy Scouts of America Official Position: The Boy Scouts of America has always reflected the expectations that Scouting families have had for the organization. We do not believe that homosexuals provide a role model consistent with these expectations. Accordingly, we do not allow for the registration of avowed homosexuals as members or as leaders of the BSA. Testifying against the Boy Scouts' policy is UMC Bishop Melvin Wheatly, Jr.: ...retired Bishop Melvin Wheatly, Jr., of the United Methodist Church, states in his certification: The United Methodist Church has a particularly strong relationship with and commitment to Boy Scouts of America ("BSA") and the values represented by BSA. BSA is an organization which fosters values such as honesty, loyalty, reverence, integrity and commitment in boys and young men. It is because of these values that The United Methodist Church has been the largest single supporter of BSA nationally, sponsoring more than 200 BSA troops in New Jersey alone. BSA's discrimination against homosexuals, however, is inconsistent with the clearly expressed condemnation by The United Methodist Church of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and has no apparent relation to the values that form the basis of The United Methodist Church's commitment to BSA. BSA's discrimination against homosexuals offends the human dignity of such persons. The United Methodist Church has been very clear in condemning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Source: Full text available upon request. |