From Mr Rob Marsh
Sir, - It was interesting to read the letter from Ron
Jefferies (Letters, 14
December). I regret to say that the attitude in Scouting is
nothing new. I look back to the mid-1980s, when I ran a Scout troop
and was "told off" by my District Commissioner for encouraging the
young people to visit with me the churches around us.
As currently a Group Scout Leader, I am also disappointed by the
lack of prayers at the end of section meetings. I have also been
told that our County Commissioner has for the past three years not
wanted to renew the warrant of our County Chaplain.
I have also experienced the other side of faith in Scouting,
when, during 2011, I was part of the chaplaincy team at an
international Scout and Guide camp. To have regularly more than a
dozen young people joining us for morning prayer and compline; and
to have many more visiting through the day, and being open in
sharing their worries and joys - this was true chaplaincy and true
joy.
I do feel that the promise to do our duty to God is important,
but I there needs to be a balance, as Scouting teaches young people
some extremely important core values. Should we be turning them
away?
ROB MARSH
43 Chevin Avenue
Leicester LE3 6PX