Rev. Rudra Vilius Dundzila of Second Unitarian Church spearheaded an exploratory meeting with supporters and other church members that addressed the Boy Scouts of America's long-standing policy that marginalizes people based on sexuality and religious affiliationbut also offered a blueprint of plans of actions, solutions and future steps.
According to a statement made by the Boy Scouts of America in 1993, the organization prohibits gay individuals as members or as leaders in the organization. Dundzila said he believes that the policy goes against the mission of The Boy Scouts of America to aid youth in their emotional, mental and physical development.
"Scouting is great for youth," said Dundzila. "The Boy Scouts of America is supposed to be this organization that is open, warm, and affirming. There is nothing affirming about their discriminatory policy."
The policy also targets individuals of different religious beliefs by prohibiting those to replace God with their religion's title version in the Boy Scout's oath. During the meeting, solutions such as encouraging people to join alternative organizations such as Navigators USA and Spiral Scouts were discussed. According to the organizations' websites, both specialize in working with young boys and girls 7-18 regarding community service and outdoor activities.
Second Unitarian Church member Nancy Epperson remembers having a positive experience as a Girl Scout when she was youngerbeing taught by her Navy Seal father on a number of building projects, different knots, and other outdoor activities. "The Boy Scouts of America is already losing its members. So, kicking someone while they're down seems vindictive but sharing another way seems progressive," she said.
Another plan of action discussed was to write letters to The United Way, the organization that funds The Boy Scouts. The letters would express the outrage over the discriminatory policy, request transparency, and inquire if The United Way were even aware of the policy. Long term, Dundzila is planning on having a booth at Northalsted Market Days to pass out pamphlets of information regarding The Boy Scouts' policy; how people can object to the policy; and other similar organizations people can become involved in independent of The Boy Scouts.
Meeting attendee Br. Michael C. Oboza remembered his vivid experience with The Boy Scouts as a young boy when a teacher caught him kissing another male scout. "Unclean, unsanitary, and you can't do that" were the words Oboza remembered when the teacher saw the two boys kissing. Soon, Oboza was asked to leave the organization.
"After I got kicked out, I lost all faith in the church. The Boy Scouts of America has no oath on a sexual identity to it," said Oboza.