Local Church Kicks Out Boy Scouts, Releases Statement

Morgan Fogarty,

UPDATE: Westminster Presbyterian Church has released a statement about their decision to cut ties with a Boy Scout Troop.

The Rock Hill church will no longer allow Boy Scout Troop 205 to use their facility due to a change in their policy that allows gay leaders. WCCB covered the story on Tuesday. 

On Wednesday, Westminster Presbyterian Church released the following statement:

“After significant prayer and agonizing deliberation by elders who are former and current Boy Scout leaders at Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC), our Session has, with broken hearts, determined not to renew our charter with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in January of 2016.  

We have not, however, made any decision regarding the long-term use of our facilities. We have simply informed the BSA that they are welcome to our church and park during the transition. And we are seeking to help them find a new chartering organization. 

Our relationship with the local Palmetto Council of the BSA has been (and continues to be) nothing short of excellent. Many, many boys have grown to maturity as men as a result. And we are grateful to God for the service of many of these Scouts in our church and community.

However, the BSA National Executive Board ratified a resolution that significantly departed from the path we walked together for nearly three decades. In that sense, they left us; we did not leave them. In spite of the current BSA provision for chartered organizations to continue to select local leaders whose beliefs are consistent with their own, “THE ANNUAL CHARTER AGREEMENT” requires the chartered organization (WPC) to “Conduct the Scouting program consistent with BSA rules, regulations, and policies.” Those two statements are in direct conflict with each other. 

This has been one of the most gut-wrenching decisions we have ever had to make. We have sincerely sought to act wisely and with compassion for those who are affected by this decision. In truth, we wish we could have stayed with the BSA.” –Rev. Dr. Mike Honeycutt 

 

ROCK HILL, S.C. – For about 27 years, Boy Scout Troop 205 has called Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill home. The scouts and their leaders helped take care of the church’s park, Christmas-caroled at the church’s retirement home and more. But the church is now cutting ties with the troop. 

WCCB Charlotte’s Morgan Fogarty asked one troop leader Jeff Wyman why. He says, “The recent decision by the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) to change their policy on leadership…allowing gay leaders.” 
 
WCCB Charlotte contacted the church Tuesday. Senior Pastor Mike Honeycutt said only that they’ll notify congregants Wednesday and “for obvious reasons, I want to be able to notify them (congregation) of our decision and some of the rationale behind it before (or at least simultaneous with) it going public.”
 
Wyman says Westminster Presbyterian’s decision to kick the boy scouts off the property means about 160 kids will need to find a new scouting home come January 1.
 
WCCB Charlotte obtained a copy of the email another troop leader sent to boy scouts and their families. It reads, in part, “Because this was expected, we have been planning for awhile and have looked at several churches to move to.” 
 
Troop 205 is one of the largest in its district. Finding a new facility will take some doing. Staying put would be ideal. Wyman says, “We’ve had a good relationship with them for a long time, longer than I’ve been around here and it would nice if we could continue it.” 
 
Reverend Doctor Honeycutt tells WCCB Charlotte he will try to update us Wednesday after he’s discussed the decision with his congregation.