LETTER:Scouting foratheists
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Stephen J. A. Curr
Sir: How much I agree with your article and editorial comment on the scout's promise. It seems that God, any God, is acceptable to the Scout Association, but that no God is not, irrespective of the values ("integrity, loyalty, trustworthiness") that atheistic and humanistic scout leaders can offer the young people of today just as strongly as their religious counterparts.
In the case of the humanist, Roy Hartle, who your article cites, the local Scout Association that kicked him out comes out looking very poor. Roy served the Scouts for 17 years under a modified oath before the local hierarchy suddenly deemed it unacceptable. Those who took this decision would do well to examine their actions against the values that they profess to hold, and to reflect on the loss of Roy's enthusiastic and selfless support for our young scouts, who are the ultimate losers.
Yours faithfully,
STEPHEN J. A. CURR
Derby
21 June
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments