From the Bishops of Southwell & Nottingham, Truro,
Grantham, and Jarrow
Sir, - We write to encourage people in the Churches to take
the opportunity to respond to the public consultations being
undertaken independently by the Scouts and Girlguiding in the
UK.
The Church has deep links with uniformed organisations. Many
have come to faith through Scouting, and many have come to Scouting
through faith and the link with churches. There is much to be
grateful for in all that the Scouts and Girlguiding do as
value-based organisations for many thousands of young people
throughout our country. The commitment of many of the leaders is an
example to many of us.
The consultation by the Scouts - which closes on 31 January -
asks significant questions about how Scouting might look in the
future as a value-based organisation. The public consultation from
Girlguiding UK closes on 3 March.
A briefing paper, "Keeping the Promise", available on the Church
of England website, provides further helpful detail on the
consultations.
We urge Guides, Scouts, and their leaders and parents to respond
to this important consultation to demonstrate the support,
collaboration, and goodwill of the church communities in our
partnership with the Scouts and Girlguiding.
Paul Southwell and Nottingham, Timothy Truro, Timothy Grantham,
Mark Jarrow
c/o Bishop's Manor
Southwell NG25 0JR