Rev. Franklin Graham has told the Boy Scouts of America it is “losing your way” by changing its name to Scouting America.
“Talk about losing your way — that’s the @BoyScouts,” Graham wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “They want to be more ‘inclusive,’ so they’re changing their name. Being woke isn’t the need — staying focused & true to what God calls you to do is what’s important.”
Graham, the leader of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, made the post Wednesday, a day after the Boy Scouts announced the name change.
One of the reasons for the rebranding is to promote inclusivity, IJR reported on.
The name change, which comes after 114 years of being the Boy Scouts of America, goes into effect Feb. 8, 2025 — the 115th anniversary of the organization, per Newmax.
“Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to teaching young people to be Prepared. For Life,” President and Chief Executive Officer of Scouting America Roger A. Krone said in the announcement. “This will be a simple but very important evolution as we seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting.”
The organization has welcomed girls for the past five years; 6,000 have attained Eagle Scout status, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, Newsmax reported.
However, the move did not sit well with Graham.
“They should’ve just stuck with what they were founded to be 114 years ago,” Graham wrote. “The Boy Scouts Oath says, ‘I will do my best to do my duty to God.
“It’s no surprise that thousands of parents are choosing other options like @TrailLifeUSA, which is a great Christ-centered alternative,” he said.
Trail Life USA is a faith-based organization that was formed in 2014 after the Boy Scouts allowed openly gay scouts to join.
Its mission, according to its website, is to “guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.”
