God has been removed from the promise recited by all members of Girl Guiding New Zealand, after more than a century of being mentioned. The move, which took place in April this year, has raised barely a ripple of dissent. “A couple of people have said they liked the old one better, but there’s been Read more
The Guide Association will consider dropping the religious element of the ‘Promise’ made by its 600,000 members, following criticism from a small number of parents.
Since the Guides were launched more than 100 years ago by Robert Baden-Powell, recruits have made a pledge to God.
The current wording states: “I promise that I will do my best, to love my God, to serve the Queen and my country, to help other people and to keep the Guide Law.”
Whilst the Promise is optional, only girls who have taken it can be awarded the movement’s highest badges.
The review will consider whether to remove the reference to God, or to introduce separate religious and non-religious versions.
The move emerged after two families objected to the current wording. Caroline Mason said her daughter had felt unable to take part in her Brownies enrolment in north Somerset due to the religious content of the Promise.
Read the article...