Area Church Leaders Ask for Compassion, Tolerance on Boy Scouts Inclusion of Gay Members

McHenry— In the wake of the rising controversy over the decision of the Rev. Brian Grady to end his church charter agreement with local Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop 550, the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation has issued a plea for tolerance.

Grady, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1023 McHenry Ave. in Crystal Lake, mailed a letter on Saturday to the Boy Scouts of America citing the organization's recent decision to allow openly gay members as his reasoning for the split.

Grady proceeded with the decision despite having a good relationship with the scouts, who spent many hours volunteering on church projects. More in this related Patch article.

The Social Justice Committee of Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry has issued a plea for tolerance, compassion, and inclusion.

“We were saddened and disappointed by the sudden unilateral action of Father Grady. Not only did it adversely affect the troop and its young men, it was a significant over-reaction based on what appears to be his individual misinformation and prejudices,” said Patrick Murfin, Social Justice Committee Chair in a statement for the press.

The recent Boy Scouts of America (BSA) National Council decision to allow gay youth to become and remain Scouts only offers that option to local unit sponsors, Murfin pointed out.

Troops sponsored by religious organizations with doctrinal or moral objections are not required to admit gay Scouts. 

“Nothing forced Father Grady or his church to admit them,” he pointed out.  “He apparently is upset that other sponsoring bodies, including churches with a more welcoming attitude, would be able to make a decision in conformity to their own beliefs and moral understanding.”

The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison, minister of the Tree of Life, added his support for the Social Justice Committee’s statement.

“We, as Unitarian Universalists, have long worked for inclusivity and fairness for all people. Fear and prejudice are the values that we would have our children learn. We will continue to witness to the inherent worth and dignity of all people and work for a world where love is stronger than fear.”

Grady was the first Catholic pastor in the Chicago area known to have banned Scouts, Murfin said.  Neither Bishops of the Church, or Rockford Diocese officials have issued any such instructions. While critical of the BSA decision most have been supportive of continued Catholic participation.

Murfin said the Rev. Grady's decision appears based on his own personal prejudices and misinformation.

 “(Grady's) primary justification, in his own words seems to be: ‘For a young boy to [be] placed in a situation where he has to share a tent or be exposed to other boys that are openly homosexual is not only unjust, but immoral,’" Murfin said.  

"That reflects a gay panic over-reaction and a serious misunderstanding that equates homosexuality with predatory sexual behavior. That is not backed up by research, and is the kind of stigma that has led to the isolation and despair of gay youth.”

The Social Justice Committee applauded support by other religious bodies in the county for greater inclusiveness, including the offer of the McHenry County Jewish Congregation to host a troop.

“Unfortunately the experience has so shocked the affected Scout Master that he is now afraid to seek sponsorship from another church. Father Grady’s actions have succeeded in blackening the name of all religions.”

Murfin added the Social Justice Committee would like the BSA of America to expand its new policy to allow admission to openly gay members wishing to be scout leaders.

“We are disappointed that the recent BSA decision does not allow gay Scouts to continue with the program as adult leaders and volunteers," Murfin said.

"Wonderful Eagle Scouts who would have gone on to be role models for generations of youngsters will find themselves cut off from the program they love. Openly gay leaders would also offer support to isolated and fearful Scouts.”

Tree of Life recently has recently been a leader in support of marriage equality, including sponsoring high profile roadside vigils in McHenry, Crystal Lake, and Woodstock. 

The Unitarian Universalist Association to which the congregation belongs has long been a staunch supporter of equal rights for gays, lesbian, and transgender people and families.

It has also been engaged in over a decade of conversation with the BSA over equal opportunity to participate in the program by gay youth and adults as well as atheists and non-traditional theists.

“Our minister, Rev. Dennison, is a transgender man who exemplifies the loving and inclusive spirit of our faith. Our families, children, and youth all look to him with respect and affection.  And our Youth Group offers a supportive environment for everyone, including those bullied and marginalized because of their perceived or actual sexual orientation.”

For more information call the Tree of Life office at 815 322-2464, or Patrick Murfin at 815-814-5645, or visit www.treeoflifeuu.org .