Girl Guides consider dropping “God” from pledge
TORONTO, ON—The Girl Guides of Canada are spending the summer deciding whether to keep God in the guiding promise.
This spring the organization sent a survey to the over 69,000 youth and 20,000 adult guides asking them to vote on two new proposed pledges, both of which have no reference to faith.
According to the Toronto Star, chief commissioner Myrtle Corkum made the move after polling showed Canadians viewed the Guides as a "Christian" group. She says, "We were not viewed as inclusive as we thought we were."
The move prompted a whirlwind response from secular groups. In a press release entitled "Godless Guides? Good" the Canadian Secular Alliance "warmly" congratulated the guides on the move.
Response from Christians was far more muted, with some taking to Facebook and personal networks to raise the alarm.
Girl Guide spokesperson, Korinna Lattemore, stresses that no decision has been made yet. "The survey was really just exploratory," says Lattemore, adding they wanted to "gauge response."
"I think it's very important to let the girls and the parents know there is no hidden agenda….If you have something to say, please send us your feedback. We really want to know what people's opinions are. We will absolutely take your comments seriously."
Guiding in Canada is celebrating its 100th anniversary next year. Lattemore adds that it is important that Guides are "as inclusive as we can be" to all Canadians.
Current Guiding Promise
"I promise to do my best, to be true to myself, my God/faith and Canada: I will help others, and accept the Guiding Law."
Two Proposed New Versions
"I promise to be true to myself, live the Guiding Law, and take action for a better world."
"I promise to be true to myself, my community and Canada. I will help others and accept the Guiding Law."
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