Appendix D/CMD:11-01.2

Request for continuing dialogue

To: National Association of Presbyterian Scouters
From: Congregational Ministries Division
Date: November 9, 2001
C: National Presbyterian Youth Ministries Council

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We bring greetings from the Congregational Ministries Division Committee (CMDC) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This letter comes to you in response to a letter dated September 17, 2001 which the chair of the CMDC received from the National Presbyterian Youth Ministry Council requesting CMDC to "encourage NAPS to be a voice of inclusion for all young people."

We recognize the role of the National Association of Presbyterian Scouters (NAPS), whose mission is to develop scouting in Presbyterian Churches, teaching and recognizing religious values, and to be the liaison between PC (USA) and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). We share a number of core values and are grateful for the historical relationship between our young people and the Scouting program, as we continue in our covenant relationship.

We remind NAPS that sessions who charter BSA units as part of their youth ministry should be mindful of the five intentions of youth ministry in the Presbyterian Church, adopted in 1993 by the 205th General Assembly of the PC (USA). These intentions are:

1. To call young people to be disciples of Jesus Christ
2. To respond to the needs and interests of young people
3. To work together, youth and adults, in partnership
4. To be connected to the whole church, community, and world
5. To include all young people, reaching out and inviting them to belong to the community of faith.

Many of these intentions are mutual commitments of the BSA and the PC (USA). In light of this, we support NAPS effort encouraging sessions to consider scouting as part of their youth ministry.

At the same time, CMDC including our National Presbyterian Youth Ministry Council (NPYMC), invites NAPS to assist us by asking the BSA to explore ways to move toward implementing the church's five intentions of Youth Ministry, remembering that the fifth intention, relating to inclusivity, may be the most challenging.

At our November, 2001 meeting, we appreciated hearing your willingness to represent the Presbyterian Church as you communicate this concern for inclusivity with the BSA. We will provide NAPS with resources that will contribute to our continuing dialogue. We look forward to hearing your response to this issue, and to our continuing dialogue as covenant partners in ministry and mission.

May the spirit of God guide us in our continued discernments and conversations.

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