Menu
04/12/2012
UK Scout Association Considers Atheist Oath
A consultation has been launched by the UK Scout Association to see if members would back a Scout Promise for those who feel unable to pledge a "duty to God".
Versions of the oath already exist for the Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths, but this is the first time an alternative oath for atheists has been considered.
In March, the National Secular Society said atheist children and potential Scout leaders were being put off.
Membership of the Scouts has increased from 444,936 in 2005 to 525,364 this year.
But the movement needs more volunteers - it says that at present there are over 35,000 young people on waiting lists.
Girlguiding UK has also announced it will launch a consultation on the wording of their promise, which will start on 4 January 2013.
(H)
Versions of the oath already exist for the Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths, but this is the first time an alternative oath for atheists has been considered.
In March, the National Secular Society said atheist children and potential Scout leaders were being put off.
Membership of the Scouts has increased from 444,936 in 2005 to 525,364 this year.
But the movement needs more volunteers - it says that at present there are over 35,000 young people on waiting lists.
Girlguiding UK has also announced it will launch a consultation on the wording of their promise, which will start on 4 January 2013.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 August 2013
37-Year-Old Scout Leader Faces Sexual Abuse Charges
A 37-year-old scout leader has been charged with two counts of rape on a boy under 13, and six other sexual offences.
37-Year-Old Scout Leader Faces Sexual Abuse Charges
A 37-year-old scout leader has been charged with two counts of rape on a boy under 13, and six other sexual offences.
13 December 2012
Succession To The Crown Bill Published
A new law has been published which will end discrimination against women in line for the British throne. Previously, male heirs were given precedence over women in line to the throne, regardless of age.
Succession To The Crown Bill Published
A new law has been published which will end discrimination against women in line for the British throne. Previously, male heirs were given precedence over women in line to the throne, regardless of age.
14 August 2008
Scout Leader Found Dead On Hiking Trip
A "experienced" hiker has been found dead after going missing on a trip to Liechtenstein. The British scout leader was found dead after he apparently plunged 1,000ft down a ravine. Thomas Moore, 21, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, left the group expedition to hike solo up the Mittagsspitz mountain.
Scout Leader Found Dead On Hiking Trip
A "experienced" hiker has been found dead after going missing on a trip to Liechtenstein. The British scout leader was found dead after he apparently plunged 1,000ft down a ravine. Thomas Moore, 21, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, left the group expedition to hike solo up the Mittagsspitz mountain.
13 November 2007
Childminder Guilty Of Baby's Death
A registered childminder has been jailed for three years after being found guilty of killing an eleven-month baby girl by violently shaking her in a fit of temper. Keran Henderson, a 43-year-old mother-of-two from Iver Heath in Buckinghamshire, was had denied manslaughter, but was found guilty following a five-week trial at Reading Crown Court.
Childminder Guilty Of Baby's Death
A registered childminder has been jailed for three years after being found guilty of killing an eleven-month baby girl by violently shaking her in a fit of temper. Keran Henderson, a 43-year-old mother-of-two from Iver Heath in Buckinghamshire, was had denied manslaughter, but was found guilty following a five-week trial at Reading Crown Court.
30 June 2014
Teen Scout Dies On Trip To Italy
A 14-year-old teenager from the Pegasus Explorer Scout Unit has died in a swimming accident at the Lillaz Falls, in the Gran Paradiso National Park of the Italian Alps on Sunday. The incident happened at about 1,800m above sea level while the scouts were jumping into the water, where inspectors were waiting for them during one of their activities.
Teen Scout Dies On Trip To Italy
A 14-year-old teenager from the Pegasus Explorer Scout Unit has died in a swimming accident at the Lillaz Falls, in the Gran Paradiso National Park of the Italian Alps on Sunday. The incident happened at about 1,800m above sea level while the scouts were jumping into the water, where inspectors were waiting for them during one of their activities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
