The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Boy Scouts of America have released this following statement:

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Boy Scouts of America have been partners for more than 100 years. The Scouting program has benefited hundreds of thousands of Latter-day Saint boys and young men, and BSA has also been greatly benefited in the process. We jointly express our gratitude to the thousands of Scout leaders and volunteers who have selflessly served over the years in Church-sponsored Scouting units, including local BSA districts and councils.

In this century of shared experience, the Church has grown from a U.S.-centered institution to a worldwide organization, with a majority of its membership living outside the United States. That trend is accelerating. The Church has increasingly felt the need to create and implement a uniform youth leadership and development program that serves its members globally. In so doing, it will be necessary for the Church to discontinue its role as a chartered partner with BSA.

We have jointly determined that, effective on December 31, 2019, the Church will conclude its relationship as a chartered organization with all Scouting programs around the world. Until that date, to allow for an orderly transition, the intention of the Church is to remain a fully engaged partner in Scouting for boys and young men ages 8–13 and encourages all youth, families, and leaders to continue their active participation and financial support.

While the Church will no longer be a chartered partner of BSA or sponsor Scouting units after December 31, 2019, it continues to support the goals and values reflected in the Scout Oath and Scout Law and expresses its profound desire for Scouting’s continuing and growing success in the years ahead.”

Church leaders said in materials released Tuesday night that they had conducted a yearslong, extensive review of its children and youth development activities and personal development programs.

“As a global church with millions of children and youth, we need to address diverse needs and fortify all children and youth with gospel-centered growth and learning experiences now more than ever,” they said.

The new approach will focus on strengthening faith, the church statements said.

“This approach is intended to help children and youth discover their eternal identity, build character and resilience, develop life skills, participate in outdoor activities and service opportunities and strengthen their ability to fulfill their divine roles as daughters and sons of God.”

The initiative will encourage children and youths to set and achieve goals “to develop spiritually, socially, physically and intellectually as they seek to follow Jesus Christ,” leaders said. “This approach is intended to reduce burdens on families, with greater flexibility to adapt to the needs of individuals and families around the world in many different circumstances.”

“The children and youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide are precious to us,” the leaders added. “They represent our future, and ministering to their needs is a significant focus for the church.”

They also encouraged church members to remain fully engaged in all of the current programs through 2019, including continued financial support of Scouting.

“We honor Scouting organizations for their continued goal to develop character and instill values in youth,” they said. “The lives of hundreds of thousands of young men, along with their families and communities, have been blessed by Scouting organizations worldwide.”