The Church of Latter Day Saints insists that its decision to end over a century of close association with the Boy Scouts has nothing to do with the organization's decision to admit girls, gay kids and trans kids — the Mormon leaders say that its launching of a competing scouting organization based on the "spiritual, social, physical and intellectual goals outlined by the church" is merely a coincidence.



The Boy Scouts serves about 330,000 Mormon youths, and the Mormon church is one of its largest sponsors.

"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," the statement said.

The Mormon church said it made the decision because it's expanded outside the United States, and wants to explore new youth programs that serve its international members.