Religion in Scouting

Religion in Scouting and the Girl Guides is an element of the Scout method. It has been given different interpretations and practiced differently by different Scout organizations over the years. The Scout Movement is separate to any particular faith or religion but the Scout Promise holds to spirituality and a belief in a higher power.

Increasing secularism and religious diversity has caused misunderstandings and controversies in some of Scout organizations.

When creating the Scouting method, Baden-Powell was adamant that there was a place for God within it.

In Scouting for Boys, Baden-Powell wrote specifically about Christianity:

We aim for the practice of Christianity in their everyday life and dealings, and not merely the profession of theology on Sundays…

Indeed, the Scout Promise as originally written by Baden-Powell states that a Scout does his "duty to God".

However, the founder's position moved shortly after the Scout movement began to grow rapidly around the world, and his writings and speeches allowed for all religions. He did continue to emphasise that religion was a part of a Scout's life, without dictating a particular faith:

When asked where religion came into Scouting and Guiding, Baden-Powell replied, It does not come in at all. It is already there. It is a fundamental factor underlying Scouting and Guiding.