26 February 2013
Girlguiding should keep God in its Promise and provide
space for young to explore their beliefs
A majority of girls and young women
surveyed by Girlguiding UK say they believe in a god. As the
organisation's open consultation on the Promises made by new
members draws to a close, a senior Church of England priest says it
is important for the promise to "love God", retains its place.
70% of 7-11 year olds believe in "a god" according to the survey
of 1,200 7-21 year olds in the UK, conducted by Girlguiding UK. The
figure for 11-21 year olds is 55%, an increase on the same figure
from the 2009 poll conducted by the same organisation.
"Girlguiding UK has always been an organisation that has held
the spiritual development of girls at the heart of its activities,"
says Canon Shelia Bamber of Sunderland Minster and a former Faith
Adviser for Girlguiding UK. "In a society where is it increasingly
'uncool' for young people to believe in God or any 'higher power',
it is important that there are still places where they can be
encouraged to explore and develop their own beliefs. It is
important that Girlguiding offers opportunities for spiritual
development," says Shelia.
The Consultation on the Promise run by Girlguiding UK closes on
Sunday 3 March. Guides, Brownie and Ranger members, their
leaders and parents are being encouraged to respond to this
important consultation to demonstrate the support, collaboration
and goodwill of church communities in their partnership with
Girlguiding.