Interfaith Worship Service R. Steven Lang ASM, Physical Arrangements

N Learning Objectives Explore issues that can affect the content and presentation of an Interfaith Service Involve all members in an Interfaith Service Draw upon a diversity of resources to prepare an Interfaith Service Use the model for conducting an Interfaith Service As a result of this presentation, you should be able to:

3 A Scout is Reverent A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. A scout’s duty is to follow the teaching of his or her religion and to practice it in his or her life everyday. “The BSA maintains that no scout can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God.” “The BSA expects a member to accept the religious principles stated in the bylaws, the Scout Oath and Law, the Varsity Scout Pledge, the Venture Oath, and the application for membership.” N

4 A Scout is Reverent To be morally straight… “A scout is … reverent.” Unit leaders set an example A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. N

5 Basic Concepts for Planning a Scouts’ Own Service Choose a setting that lends itself to the occasion and promotes reverence Everything must be in good taste The service should be planned, timed, and rehearsed Those attending should be courteous, kind, and reverent Everyone should have opportunities to participate N

6 Basic Structure of the Service Call to worship Hymns or songs Readings from religious or inspirational sources Responsive reading Personal prayer Group prayer Inspirational reading or message Offering (World Friendship Fund) An act of friendship Benediction or closing N

7 Pop Quiz True or False A multifaith or interfaith is a service that all Scouts and Scouters may attend. It requires careful planning to ensure that it does not violate the beliefs of any religion. True or False Some religions have specific requirements that cannot be fulfilled through an interfaith service. Other arrangements might be necessary for Scouts of those faiths to fulfill such commitments. True or False Of the eight major religions in the world, all are represented in the BSA’s religious emblems program. N

8 Pop Quiz (continued) Multiple Choice—Choose the correct answer(s) “Duty to God” and “religious duties” are important components of a. The Cub Scout Promise b. The Law of the Pack c. The Scout Oath d. The Scout Law e. The Venturing Oath f. The Venturing Code g. All of the above True or False Appropriate graces for meals at Scouting events do not refer specifically to a “central figure”—Jesus Christ or Allah, for example. N

9 Summary Whenever possible, BSA outings and activities should include opportunities for members to meet their religious obligations Encourage Scouts and Scouters to participate (lead by example) Care must be taken to support and respect all faiths represented in the group Scout leaders can be a positive influence without being sectarian N

10 Learning Objectives Review Understand issues that can affect the content and presentation of a Scouts’ Own Service Involve all members in a Scouts’ Own Service Draw upon a diversity of resources to prepare a Scouts’ Own Service Use the model for conducting a Scouts’ Own Service Now you should be able to: N

11 The Golden Principle Blessed are those who prefer others before themselves. -- Baha’i Faith Hurt not others in ways that you would yourself find hurtful. -- Buddhism Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. -- Christianity This is the sum of all duty: treat others as you yourself would be treated. -- Hinduism No one of you is a believer until you desire for another that which you desire for yours. -- Islam In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, regard all creatures as you would regard your own self. -- Jainism What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. -- Judaism Be not estranged from another for God dwells in every heart. -- Sikhism Human nature is good only when it does not do unto another whatever is not good for its own self. -- Zoroastrianism N

12 Thank You! N