US Bishops begin investigation of Girl Scouts

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has begun an investigation into the Girl Scouts movement. The Girl Scouts estimate that about a quarter of their 2.3 million youth members are Catholic, based in parishes. Groups are involved in many social, sports and pastoral activities.

The inquiry, to be conducted by the bishops' Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, will look into the Scouts' "possible problematic relationships with other organizations" and various "problematic" program materials, according to a letter sent by the committee chairman, Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne, Indiana, to fellow bishops.

Speaking on behalf of the Girl Scouts of the USA, Michelle Thompkins said: "We have had a very strong relationship with the Catholic Church for 98 years, and we don't expect that to change. We are working very closely with the Council of Bishops to address the issues they have raised and that work continues. We share a common belief that working together, we can have a very positive impact on the lives of millions of girls and women."
In February this year, the Girl Scout published a rebuttal to a programme on EWTN, which suggested that the they had connections with organisations such as Planned Parenthood. To see their statement read: www.girlscouts.org/news/news_releases/2012/ewtn_series.asp