One of the key principles of the Scouting movement is ‘Duty to God’. This is quite a bold statement but demonstrates the inclusive policy of Scouting not to discriminate against any faith or religion. It is why we mention it within the Scout Promise: ‘On my honour I promise to do my duty to my best, to do my duty to God and the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Scout Law’
But what exactly does ‘Duty to God’ mean?
Firstly Scouting undertakes to help young people seek a spiritual dimension to life and try and live in a religious way. It is not a religious organisation and it does not align itself with any particular religion. Instead Scouting gives young people, no matter what section they are in, the opportunity to explore and value their personal faith as well as their relationship with God.
As leaders we encourage this through the programmes that we run by:
· Developing personal discipline and training
· Being involved in co-operative activities
· Understanding the world around us
· Creating a more tolerant and caring society
Much of this comes through our weekly meetings but it is enhanced through attendance at monthly church parades. Unfortunately the turnout for these isn’t always great and more than often is the same few each month. We are very fortunate in the 17th to have the sponsorship and support of the parish, not only for facilities we use such as our equipment store but also the encouragement they give us as an organisation. The least we could do as a Group is to acknowledge this support by attending church parade and fulfilling our ‘Duty to God’
Our next Church Parade takes place on 11 March at 5.30pm. The mass intention is for the deceased former members and friends of the 17th Reigate Scout Group and coincides with the anniversary of the Group (this year we will be 97 years old). It would be fantastic to have a full attendance so please mark this date and time in your diaries.
Tony Brown
Explorer Scout Leader
