Bishops resist scouting merger over Catholic ethos concern

The Catholic bishops are resisting the creation of a single, multi-denominational scouting organisation with over 30,000 members.

The bishops have expressed their opposition to a merger of the State's two scouting groups because of concerns over property and the loss of a Catholic ethos, The Irish Times understands.

They are unhappy about a new variation of the scout promise which makes no mention of God and new rules which "leave the door open for those who do not profess a belief in a God", according to a letter sent to scouts by the national chaplain of Scouting Ireland CSI, Father Peter Kehoe.

Members of Scouting Ireland CSI, formerly the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland, and Scouting Ireland SAI, or the once-predominantly Protestant Scouting Association of Ireland, will vote on merger proposals at separate meetings on Sunday.

The proposals are the result of a five-year process of consultation between the two organisations.

But according to Catholic sources, they have not been "fully thought through" and have major implications for the church.

"One should not lightly close a major Catholic youth organisation with connections in every parish in Ireland without proper consideration," said one source.

Many CSI scout troops meet in or on property owned by the Catholic Church, prompting concerns in the church about the handover of assets to a body over which it will have no control.

In his letter, Father Kehoe says the constitution proposed for the new organisation has "serious deficiencies or omissions" and should be sent back for amendment.

He also complains about the bishops being reduced from patrons to a "sponsoring authority" in the new organisation.

He also says there is "no clear distinction" between a spiritual dimension and a religious dimension of scouting, and this will cause problems.

The CSI, which has 22,500 members, was founded by two Catholic priests in 1927 and operates in the 32 counties.

The SAI dates back to 1907, but because its first units were associated with British army garrisons, few Catholic boys joined at first.

Today, however, the membership of both organisations is over 95 per cent Catholic.

The 8,000 membership of the SAI, which operates in the Republic only, are expected to approve the merger at their meeting on Sunday.

A separate scouting organisation, the Scout Association in Northern Ireland, operates in the North.

CSI's national council voted for the merger by a three to one majority last year.

However, the decision has to be ratified by a two-thirds majority at Sunday's meeting in Dublin.

But it could still be vetoed by the bishops, who must give their overall approval, even if the meeting does approve the merger.

SCOUT PROMISES

Current scout promise (CSI): On my hounour, and with the help of God, I promise to do my best, to be true to my faith in Jesus Christ and his Church, serve my community, and live the Scout Law. (God and Jesus Christ may be replaced by words appropriate to other religions)

Proposed new promise: On my honour I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to God, to serve my community, to help other people and to live by the Scout Law.

Proposed promise for those who do not wish to swear to God: On my honour I promise that I will do my best to further my understanding and acceptance of a Spiritual Reality, to serve my community, to help other people and to live by the Scout Law.