Archdiocese of Cincinnati Renews 110-Year Girl Scouts Partnership Despite Morality Differences

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio have resolved a year-long dispute by renewing their partnership with a new memorandum of understanding that respects both the Catholic Church's teachings and the secular nature of the Girl Scouts. Archbishop Robert Casey emphasized that while the Girl Scouts do not share all Catholic views, the mutual agreement allows both organizations to work together in supporting the faith formation of young girls alongside the benefits of Girl Scouting. The renewed agreement requires Girl Scout troops to obtain parish priest permission and sign a facility use agreement, with restrictions against promoting policies conflicting with Catholic morals. The Girl Scouts' leadership highlighted that the partnership supports girls' spiritual journeys within their faith communities. This resolution follows a 2024 decision by former Archbishop Dennis Schnurr to end the relationship due to concerns about the Girl Scouts' stance on gender and sexuality, which he deemed contrary to Catholic teaching. The new agreement includes transparency measures, such as a disclaimer on the Girl Scouts' website clarifying that the Archdiocese does not endorse all Girl Scout policies or programs.