Duty to God

Scouting undertakes to help young people seek a spiritual dimension to life and try and live in a religious way.

Scouting is not a religious organisation and the Movement does no align itself with any particular religion. Scouting gives young people the opportunity to explore and value personal faith and deepen their relationship and commitment to God.

Scouting recognises that there are diverse ways in which God may appear to mankind. It is possible for young people to be unsure of the existence of God and remain a Member of the Association, but it is not possible for an atheist to hold a Warrant as a Leader.

The spiritual development Scouting seeks for its Members is encouraged by:

• Developing personal discipline and training
• Being involved in co-operative activities
• Understanding the world around them
• Creating a more tolerant and caring society
• Discovering the need for prayer and worship,both personal and shared.

The Association is not directly responsible for the religious education of its Members. The responsibility rests with Parents or carer, the religious community to which they belong and the Members themselves. Some Scout Groups are supported by religious bodies through sponsorship, as part of their pastoral care for young people.

Scouting and religion work in partnership, how this is demonstrated varies from faith to faith.

Scouting recognises many different faiths and religions, adults in Scouting have a responsibility to understand a little about the religions of all young people in their care.