A longstanding relationship between local Catholic parishes and the Girl Scouts is coming to an end.
In a Facebook message posted Monday morning, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas announced that he has told pastors of area parishes to begin transitioning away from hosting Girl Scout Chapters.
Naumann writes that the messages of the Catholic Church do not match the messages of the Girl Scouts.
“With the promotion by Girl Scouts USA of programs and materials reflective of many of the troubling trends in our secular culture, they are no longer a compatible partner in helping us form young women with the virtues and values of the gospel,” Naumann wrote in the post.
Instead, Naumann said local parishes can instead partner with the American Heritage Girls organization.
In a statement, a Girl Scouts USA spokesperson said they will continue to "champion diversity, personal values and the central role that faith plays in a girls' life."
"It is unfortunate that misinformation about the mission and the priorities of Girl Scouts has led to this situation. We hope for a continued dialogue of mutual respect and understanding as we work to continue the long and proud legacy and relationship Girl Scouts enjoys with the Catholic Church. Girl Scouts of the USA is the largest and most successful leadership development program in the world for girls. For over a century, we have served as a welcoming and encouraging place for girls of all backgrounds to explore their personal faith, develop their leadership capacity, and grow into women with the courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place. We will continue to champion diversity, personal values, and the central role that faith plays in a girls’ life as she discovers her talents and learns new skills."
