Interfaith Worship
Service
C7-129-13
Presenter 1
Presenter 2
C7-129-13 Day 3
Why Include Religious
Services in Scouting?
The Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America:
– recognize the religious element in the training of the BSA’s
members, but it is absolutely non-sectarian in its attitude
toward that religious training.”
– maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of
citizen without recognizing an obligation to God.
– religious instruction is ultimately the responsibility of the
home and the religious institution.
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“A Scout is REVERENT”
• A Scout is reverent toward God.
• He is faithful in his religious duties.
• He respects the beliefs of others.
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The Constitution of the
United States
• Guarantees each of us complete freedom
to believe and worship as we wish without
fear of punishment.
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What is an Interfaith
Worship Service?
• A brief worship or meditation, specifically
designed for Scouting events where there may
be members of more than one faith group.
– A gathering of Scouts consistent with the 12th
point of the Scout Law
– Held for the development of the Scouts’
spirituality
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Lord Baden-Powell’s Thoughts
“For an open troop, or for
troops in camp, I think that
interfaith worship service
should be open to all
denominations, and carried
on in such a manner as to
offend none.
There should be not be any
special form, but should
abound in the right spirit, and
not conducted from an
ecclesiastical point of view,
but from that of the boy”
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Interfaith Worship Service –
Basic Concepts
• Choose a setting that lends itself to the
occasion that promotes reverence
• Everything must be in good taste
• It should be planned, timed, and
rehearsed
• Consider people’s comfort
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Interfaith Worship Service –
Basic Concepts (cont.)
• Be courteous, kind, and reverent.
• Respect the rights and feelings of others.
• Insure that all participants have an
opportunity to participate.
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Recognize Diversity
• Include all faith denominations
• Different religious practices and variety of
holy days
• A service that all Scouts and Scouters
may attend
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Summary
• BSA outings and activities should include opportunities
for members to meet their religious obligations
• Encourage Scouts and Scouters to participate
• Care must be taken to support and respect all the faiths
represented in the group.
– Use inspirational rather than particular religious materials
• Check with religious authorities if a question arises about
appropriateness
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Interfaith Worship Service
Program Sample
• Call to Worship
• Group prayer
• Hymns or songs
• Inspirational reading or
message
• Scripture(s) or readings
from a variety of religious
or inspirational sources
• Offering (World
Friendship Fund)
•
Responsive reading
• An act of friendship
•
Personal prayer
• Benediction or closing
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Final Thoughts from
Lord Baden-Powell
The highest point in a
man’s aim should
be :
“That a person’s
religion is not in
how he behaves;
rather it is in what
he believes. ”
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Questions
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