Girl Scouts Respond To Catholic Church's Inquiry

Girl Scouts are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. But they’re under fire again by Catholic bishops who are looking into relationships between the Scouts and groups that conflict with church teaching. An official inquiry by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was recently launched. In Franklin County, 31 parishes sponsor Girl Scout troops. The Ohio Girl Scout Council has seen these questions raised before. A letter was sent last year by the Catholic Diocese of Columbus to the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council in Columbus expressing concern about allegations raised about a relationship with Planned Parenthood and scouting programs. The letter states highlights accusations that the Girl Scouts promoted programs that contradict Catholic belief and moral teachings. CEO of the Girl Scouts Ohio’s Heartland Council, Tammy Wharton says there is no relationship with Planned Parenthood. “But we do not have associations, affiliations with Planned Parenthood. We don’t send money to Planned Parenthood. Our money goes to our local council and it supports leadership development for girls," says Wharton. Wharton pointed out that in last year’s letter the Diocese states that the Girl Scouts USA and the local Girl Scout Councils are in good standing with the Diocese of Columbus. “It brings concerns to me to those who keep pushing agendas that are not true to what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to build girls of courage, confidence and character that make the world a better place. And for many of our girls religion is part of that," says Wharton. The Diocese of Columbus had no comment.