The wind started suddenly and loudly during the night. We were determined to hike up Skaros Rock this morning, though, so Leroy and I ignored the advice of others and headed into the fierce gusts with... gusto. The path to the imposing Skaros Rock starts from the ridge connecting Thira with Oia, not far from our home for this week. We descended from a pocket of luxury condos and infiniti-edge pools into a vortex of red rocks and magnificent views. Skaros Rock rises like a massive up-ended funnel from the Caldera. Its top is a barren, solid rock butte. We went down toward the sea... then up toward the rock... and found ourselves among the ruins of the original capital of Santorini, long since abandoned after an eighteenth century earthquake.
Speaking of hiking, I've hoped to hear the results of voting today by the Boy Scouts of America before I head to sleep. Not sure if that's possible, though, with the seven hour time difference. A decision by the fouteen hundred delegates in Dallas to no longer exclude youth on the basis of sexual orientation will be a welcome relief. A decision to instead continue the current ban will further alienate and hurt vulnerable kids who are told they are "less than" because of an innate human characteristic. I was a scout, though not a great one. I was lousy at knots and didn't like the whole "atten hut!" and "at ease!" thing. I made it through Cubs, Weblos, and a couple years of the Boy Scouts, though. My brother was an Eagle Scout, though, and my dad was a scoutmaster, and my son was a cub. I respect the Boy Scouts a lot and have been involved in various ways with troops sponsored by churches I have pastored and have taught religious emblem classes in the past (prior to coming out.)
It irks me to no end that the current policy as well as the proposed change prohibit me from any direct or official involvement with scouting. Despite the ongoing ban of gay leaders, virtually all LGBT organizations support the proposed change (itself a compromise) that is focused on allowing gay youth into the Scouts. That makes sense since scouting is really about kids, anyway. I sincerely hope the proposal passes, and assume with time the Scouts will include both youth and adults regardless of orientation.
The obvious disconnect with the policy up for vote today is that outstanding young men with leadership abilities will be forced to leave the orgnization at age eighteen ("Congrats on attaining Eagle - now get out!") That makes no sense, and it occurs to me that when something is that illogical, there is something deeply flawed with policy and the principles behind it. The same situation exists in Christian churches when LGBT persons are told the are persons of "sacred worth" but are excluded from service because of a part of who they are. Various colleagues in my former denomination, which forbids the ordination and service of LGBT clergy, continue to strongly support their church's policy but are personally glad a place exists (the United Church of Christ) that allows me to continue in ministry as a pastor. The disconnect really boggles my mind. Many have suggested that gay scouts should just join another organization that will admit them. It's like saying "join a different church": a "separate but equal" arrangement that's intended to make uncomfortable people happy but is inherently unjust.
The American Family Association and similar organizations have been working overtime in the past several weeks spinning lies and trying to get people to believe that gay kids and adults are immoral sexual predators. Fear is a strong motivator, and hopefully those voting in Dallas will resist such tactics and will do their research and act responsibly for the sake of boys who need positive organizations like the BSA. I'm proud of my denomination, the United Church of Christ, for its clear and public calls for the BSA to do what is right and to include all boys in scouting.
Next Day Postscript: Hooray for the BSA's important decision to affirm the worth and inclusion of all boys who wish to participate!
