Resolution of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America   
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  "Be it resolved that the following reaffirmation of the position of the Boy
Scouts of America relating to duty to God be, and hereby is, enacted and that
the bylaws, rules and regulations, and literature of the Corporation reflect
this reaffirmation accordingly.

  "In 1985, America celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of Amer-
ica. Since 1910, 80 million Americans have subscribed to the Scout Oath and the 
Scout Law, which have stood the test of time.

  "The National Executive Board of the BSA proudly states, through its mission
statement, that the values which the organization strives to instill in young
people are those based upon the Scout Oath and Scout Law. A Scout pledges: "On
my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the
Scout Law...".

  "The first BSA HANDBOOK FOR BOYS, published in August 1911, declares that 
'...no boy can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obli-
gation to God' (page 215).

  "The latest edition of the BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK, published in 1990, reads: 'A
Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He res-
pects the beliefs of others' (page 561).

  "While not intending to define what constitutes belief in God, the BSA is
proud to reaffirm the Scout Oath and its declaration of duty to God.

  "The following statements are additional information on the BSA position:

      The BSA has always been committed to the moral, ethical, and spirit-
      ual development of our youth. Scouting is not a religion but duty to
      God is a basic tenant of the Scout Oath and Law.

      Scouting does not seek to impose its beliefs upon others  who do not
      share them. Virtually every religion is represented in Scouting, and
      the BSA does not define or interpret  God.  That is the role  of the
      Scout's family and religious advisers.

      Scouting respects those who do not share its beliefs and it would not
      ask others to alter their faith in  any fashion  in  order to  become
      Scouts. They too are free to follow their own beliefs. Rather the BSA
      membership believes that the principles set forth in the  Scout  Oath
      and Law are central to the BSA  goal of teaching the values of  self-
      reliance, courage, integrity,  and consideration to others.  Scouting
      may not be for everyone, but for eight decades, Scouting has provided
      meaningful programs and adventure to more than  eighty  million young
      people in the United States."


                       ---Approved, BSA National Executive Board, June 12, 1991