From Mr Ron
Jeffries
Sir, - The President of the
National Secular Society and the Chief Executive of the British
Humanist Society have both welcomed the Scout Association's
consultation to see whether an alternative can be found to allow
non-believers to join ("Scouts reconsider pledge of duty to God",
News, 7
December).
Why is there no comment from
a Christian perspective? Will the leaders of the Church of England
sit back and let this happen?
Your report acknowledges
that Scouting was founded with a strong Christian ethic, and has
accommodated other faiths. It is - and should remain - a
religious-based movement. There are plenty of similar organisations
for those to join who cannot make a commitment to their God.
As a life-long member of the
Scout Association and a communicant member of the Church of
England, I appeal to our Bishops to take a lead nationally and
locally to oppose this move.
RON JEFFRIES
37 Spearpoint Gardens
Aldborough Road North
Aldborough Hatch
Ilford, Essex IG2 7SX