[Church of England press release] The Church of England today welcomed the decision by the Scout movement to keep a “Duty to God” in its core promise introduce and to introduce an additional alternative promise for those without a religious faith.

The Rt. Revd. Paul Butler, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, and the Church’s lead Bishop on work with Young People said:

“I very much welcome this announcement by the Scout movement that God stays in the Promise. I particularly welcome the opportunity we have been given to contribute to this consultation and support the outcome which ensures that a duty to God remains in the core scout promise.

In enabling people of all faiths and none to affirm their beliefs through an additional alternative promise the Scout movement has demonstrated that it is both possible, and I would argue preferable, to affirm the importance of spiritual life and not to restrict meaning to arbitrary self-definition.  As the last census demonstrated we remain a faithful nation where the majority of families and individuals find identity, affiliation and meaning in religious belief.

For many years the rich relationship between Scouts and the Church of England has borne fruit in the lives of generations of young men and more recently young women.

We share with the Scouting movement the aim to enable young people to interact with others, gain confidence and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. From the thousands of volunteers from churches who work as leaders and enablers through to the hosting of groups in Church premises throughout the country, I am confident that our relationship the Scouting movement will continue to flourish.”