The church "will appoint Scout leaders and volunteers who uphold and exemplify church doctrine, values, and standards," Mormon leaders said in the statement. Photo:

The church "will appoint Scout leaders and volunteers who uphold and exemplify church doctrine, values, and standards," Mormon leaders said in the statement. Photo:

LANCASTER, S.C. — A Presbyterian church in South Carolina says it is dropping its nearly 50-year association with the Boy Scouts after the organization agreed to allow gay leaders.

Multiple media outlets reported that First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, about 60 miles northeast of Columbia, sent a letter to 63 scouts in a troop sponsored by the church saying that it ended its sponsorship of the Boy Scouts on July 31.

Church member Buddy Lever says it was a tough decision, but the Boy Scouts’ announcement it would allow gay leaders doesn’t match the church’s beliefs on homosexuality.

The scouts are being given an opportunity to join other troops.

The Lancaster church is also joining with a group called Trail Life USA, which is a Christian outdoor adventure club.

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