In this Saturday, June 25, 2016 photo, Cub Scouts watch a race during the Second Annual World Championship Pinewood Derby in New York's Times Square. Nearly 12 months after the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board's decision to end a long-standing blanket ban on participation by openly gay adults, the Boy Scouts seem more robust than they have in many years. Photo: (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

In this Saturday, June 25, 2016 photo, Cub Scouts watch a race during the Second Annual World Championship Pinewood Derby in New York's Times Square. Nearly 12 months after the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board's decision to end a long-standing blanket ban on participation by openly gay adults, the Boy Scouts seem more robust than they have in many years. Photo: (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Mormon church says it has been assured it can run its scouting troops consistent with its religious beliefs despite the Boy Scouts of America’s decision to allow transgender children who identify as boys to enroll in its boys only programs.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in the statement Tuesday that it’s studying the announcement made Monday while looking for ways to better serve its young people worldwide.

The Salt Lake City-based church was given a similar assurance when Boy Scouts decided to allow gay troop leaders in 2015.

The religion is the nation’s largest sponsor of Boy Scout units.

The faith believes gender is part of a person’s God-given identity. They do not baptize people planning transgender operations, a procedure which puts a person’s membership at risk.

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