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BRITAIN’S GIRL GUIDES movement said today it is scrapping its oath to God in an attempt to broaden its appeal, although members will still pledge allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II.
The voluntary organisation, which boasts half a million members as part of a 10-million-strong global movement, has unveiled a new version of “The Promise” after a three-month consultation.
From September, guides will pledge “to be true to myself and develop my beliefs” rather than “to love my God”.
And they will promise “to serve the queen and my community” instead of “to serve the queen and my country”.
“We hope the new wording will help us reach out to girls and women who might not have considered guiding before, so that even more girls can benefit from everything guiding can offer,” chief guide Gill Slocombe said in a statement.
The Promise was last updated in 1994.
Australia’s Girl Guides last year scrapped oaths to God and the queen, choosing instead to “be true to myself” and “serve my community and Australia”.
The Girl Guides Association was formed in 1910 under the leadership of Agnes Baden-Powell, the sister of Robert Baden-Powell who founded the Scouts, a voluntary organisation for boys.
The Scouts in Britain are also looking into the wording of their Promise, including how to accommodate people who do not believe in God, and a decision is expected next month.
“We do not plan to change the core Promise but to offer an option for those who are without faith but wish to be part of the Scout movement,” a spokesman said.
There are an estimated 10 million members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, from 144 countries, all sharing the same basic principles and values encouraging the self-development of young women.
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RIP kevin we can learn a lot of t from you we should all support Lauralynn and the work they do for kids like kevin and there families Never met you kevin but you have touched me
What a lovely mum you are Mairead. That was so moving. I wish you and yours all the best.
Hats off to you Mairead and Chuck. He’s left a great legacy behind
Ah Mairead I’m in tears after that. Respect to you and Kevin.
What a very special family
Good piece. Great looking kid, all the best
Great piece Mairead. We remember & talk of Kevin often.
He looked so joyful
Beautiful piece Mairead. RIP Kevin.
Lovely piece Mairead from the heart. Know Kevin from Eithne. Hope Chuck and you get strength from Kevin to move on. Bless.
What a beautiful boy…A lovely photo.thank you for sharing Kevin with us…words escape me, my sadness for u all..Thankfully Lauralyn gave u many happy memories. Bless u all.
Beautifully written Mairead. Hugs to you and the family x
Beautiful Mairead, smiled with a tear in my eye reading this and remembering Kevvy D. X
Chuck and family a lovely tribute and a lasting legacy
A little angel be good little man
What a beautifully written piece. I would love to have met the little fella. I’m sure he would have stolen my heart. May you have peace and closure from your terrible loss. I’m very moved by the story of Wee Kevin.
Kevin could only inspire because he was a chip of the two auld blocks.
Jarleth, Mairead, and family, ordinary heroes, doing extraordinary things.
Loved the article Mairead, there’s a writer there lost in you.
Marty Daly
Thanks Chuck, Maireid and your lovely family for you generosity in sharing Kevin’s story and his smile with us. For many I am sure, it will offer inspiration and possibly comfort and to most of us a gentle reality check.
Lovely piece Mairead, full of joy and love
So very sad reading this Mairead & Chuck, remembering our meeting in 2004 & what a beautiful kind and supportive family you were to us when it was so badly needed and you still managed the strength to share it with us even though you probably should have been selfish and saved it for your own family. RIP beautiful Kevin will never forget that beautiful smile. Thinking of you & will call soon.
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