CINCINNATI — The Archdiocese of Cincinnati is discontinuing its parishes' partnerships with Girl Scouts of the USA, Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr said in a letter sent Monday to parishioners.
In the letter, Schnurr said the decision is connected to the Girl Scouts promoting "an impoverished worldview regarding gender and sexuality."
"Through some of their activities, resources, badges and awards, Girl Scouts — including the local chapter, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio — has contributed to normalizing a sexual and gender ideology contrary to the Catholic understanding of the human person made male and female in the image and likeness of God," Schnurr said.
Some of the objectable promotions the archdiocese lists include an "Inclusive. Together." patch that includes of wheel that encourages girls to identify their sexual orientation and gender identity and an "LGBTQ+ Pride Month Fun" patch that recommends participating in Pride celebrations.
Schnurr said youth programs at the archdiocese's parishes should be "consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ."
"The Archdiocese of Cincinnati cannot partner with an organization that, from its highest level, advocates ideas which the Church considers false and harmful," Schnurr said.
He said the archdiocese communicated with the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, but "we have been unable to agree on an acceptable path forward."
Schnurr said parishes will take steps toward ending the partnership over the next 14 months. By December 2025, Girl Scout troops operating on the archdiocese's campuses must either convert to an American Heritage Girls troop, find another meeting location or disband. No new troops will be established between now and then.
American Heritage Girls is a faith-based program for young girls founded by Cincinnati parents in 1995.
The Girl Scouts of Western Ohio said it is "deeply disappointed by this decision" in a statement released Tuesday.
The statement goes on to say that the focus of the Girl Scouts will remain on supporting its members "in finding ways to continue their Girl Scout experience — including the ways in which Girl Scouts learn about and explore their faith traditions."
Here is the full statement:
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio is—and always has been—a secular organization that welcomes girls of all faiths. Our membership includes girls and families of many faith traditions, and we believe that a part of girls’ healthy development is encouraging girls in their spiritual journey, through partnerships with their faith communities. In Girl Scouts, every girl belongs. No matter her economic, social, racial or religious background, every girl is welcome in Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouting, with the support of her family and faith community, Girl Scouts have the opportunity to develop the critical thinking and decision-making skills they will need to act on the values of their faith in our complex world. Late yesterday we received a notice from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati communicating their decision to end the valuable 100+ years of partnership between our organizations. We are deeply disappointed by this decision, as are thousands of Girl Scouts and dedicated volunteers across our council who value both their Catholic faith and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. We have been in conversation with the Office of Youth Ministries over the past two years and have had a strong working relationship for many years. We remain open to a mutually respectful dialogue, and we hope that the Archdiocese will return to the conversation so we can continue to work together to support the beneficial role each plays in developing youth and supporting families in our communities. Our focus now is to support our Girl Scouts and dedicated volunteers of the Catholic faith in finding ways to continue their Girl Scout experience – including the ways in which Girl Scouts learn about and explore their faith traditions. Girl Scouts, guided by caring adult leaders, and always with agreement of their parents or guardians, decide which activities to pursue each membership year — all based on individual and troop interests. We will be working with our volunteer leaders and other community members to ensure Girl Scouts continues to offer the wide range of activities, from outdoor experiences to STEM to life skills to entrepreneurship, that allows each girl to grow in courage, confidence, and character and make the world a better place.
Watch Live:
