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The Catholic Times
Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio
What is this article about?
Catholic Boy Scout chaplains from seven southern dioceses met in New Orleans, where Father Joseph Toomey urged active promotion of interracial unity in Scouting to include all children regardless of color, emphasizing Christian principles. Bishops Gerow, Rummel, and Greco also addressed the conference on racial understanding and spiritual aspects of Scouting.
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NEW ORLEANS -(NC) Catholic Boy Scout units in the South were called upon at a chaplains' meeting here to take "an active, positive position to make others realize that this organization is and should always be a Christian organization-that draws no barrier in creed or color."
"With the realization that our mission is to work for Christ for the salvation of all men, we must to the best of our ability and with the existing conditions strive for a more unified Scout program among all our children, especially we who are Catholics," the chaplains were told.
Speaking at a conference of Scout chaplains of seven southern dioceses attended by three members of the hierarchy, Father Joseph Toomey, Scout chaplain for the Diocese of Mobile, said:
"It has always been the role of the Church to strengthen human behavior. This is also her major objective in the work of promoting the work of the Boy Scouts. This being our purpose, it must be all-inclusive, touching the lives of all our children regardless of color."
Pointing to the value of Catholic Scouting programs among Negro youth, Father Toomey stated that Catholic Scouts "should be made to understand that this organization exists in a country that is founded on the principle of equity for all, and that, with their Catholic heritage, they should not content themselves with being tolerant, but even more so of being helpful in every way possible toward colored Scouts."
Addressing the chaplains, Bishop Richard O. Gerow of Natchez outlined advancements by Catholics in racial understanding and asked the Boy Scout chaplains to continue to contribute their aid.
"We are on the right track," the prelate stated. "I hope in ten years the problem will be solved."
Two other prelates addressed the chaplains, Archbishop Joseph F. Rummel praising the work of Boy Scout organizations in combatting delinquency through emphasis on things spiritual, and Bishop Charles P. Greco of Alexandria stressing the importance of religious activities in Catholic Scout units.
Speaking of the emphasis on spiritual teaching in Catholic troops, Archbishop Rummel said:
"That is why I am so enthusiastic about Scouting. Delinquency is a lack of the spiritual destiny of human beings."
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
New Orleans
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Outcome
chaplains urged to promote interracial unity in catholic boy scout programs; bishop gerow expressed hope that racial problems would be solved in ten years.
Event Details
At a conference of Scout chaplains from seven southern dioceses attended by three bishops, Father Joseph Toomey called for an active position to make the Boy Scouts a Christian organization without barriers in creed or color, striving for a unified program among all children, especially Catholics, regardless of color. He emphasized the Church's role in strengthening human behavior through inclusive Scouting, particularly for Negro youth, and encouraged helpfulness toward colored Scouts. Bishop Gerow outlined Catholic advancements in racial understanding and sought continued aid from chaplains. Archbishop Rummel praised Scouting for combating delinquency through spiritual emphasis, and Bishop Greco stressed religious activities in Catholic units.