CINCINNATI — The Archdiocese of Cincinnati is ending its congregations’ partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA, Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr said. in a letter to parishioners.

In the letter, Schnurr said the decision was tied to the Girl Scouts’ promotion of “an impoverished worldview on gender and sexuality.”

“Through some of their activities, resources, badges, and awards, the Girl Scouts—including the local chapter of the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio—have contributed to the normalization of a sexual and gender ideology that is contrary to the Catholic understanding of human beings as male and female,” Schnurr wrote. ‘s image and likeness,” he said.

Some of the objectionable promotions on archdiocesan lists include “Inclusive. Together.” a wheel that encourages girls to define their sexual orientation and gender identity, and a “LGBTQ+ Pride Month Fun” patch that encourages participating in Pride celebrations.

Youth programs at the archdiocese’s parishes must be “consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ,” Schnurr said.

“The Archdiocese of Cincinnati cannot partner with an organization that advocates at the highest level ideas that the Church considers false and harmful,” Schnurr said. he said.

He said the archdiocese communicated with the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio but “we were unable to agree on an acceptable path forward.”

Schnurr said congregations will take steps to end the partnership within the next 14 years. By December 2025, Girl Scout troops operating on archdiocese campuses must either convert to an American Heritage Daughters troop, find another meeting place, or disband. From now on, no new unions will be formed.

American Heritage Girls It is a faith-based program for teenage girls, founded in 1995 by Cincinnati parents.

In a statement from the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, the organization said it was “deeply disappointed in this decision, as are the thousands of Girl Scouts and dedicated volunteers on our council who value both their Catholic faith and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.”

The Girl Scouts’ focus “will continue to be supporting its members in finding ways to continue their Girl Scout experiences, including ways to learn and explore Girl Scouts faith traditions,” the statement said.

WCPO also reached out to Girl Scouts of the USA for comment.