Gastonia Churches Drop Boy Scouts Over Gay Policy

GASTONIA, N.C. - - A Gastonia church is choosing not to renew its charter with the Boy Scouts of America after the organization announced this year that it would no longer deny membership to gay people.

The Gaston Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/1djNjsZ) First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia announced last week it would not renew its longtime charter. Senior Pastor Matt Kuiken emailed a statement to The Gazette saying the decision was made "with deep sadness."

Piedmont Council CEO Connie Bowes, who oversees Boy Scout troops in 11 counties, including Gaston and Cleveland, said two churches in Cleveland County said this month they are severing ties with the organization.

In May, the Boy Scouts of America's National Council voted to ease a long-standing ban and allow openly gay boys to be accepted as Scouts.