Guides consider end of oath to Queen or God

The Girl Guides are considering whether to get rid of any mention of God or the Queen in their oath.

The organisation has launched an online consultation into changes to the pledge that Guides take when they join, known as the Promise. Girlguiding UK said the move was necessary because an increasing number of girls and volunteers do not identify with the current oath.

The organisation said: “Girlguiding UK is committed to retaining a Promise that is in line with its original principles, but we know it is crucial that girls and young women understand and believe in the words they say.”

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Guides promise to “love my God” and “serve the Queen and country”, as well as do their best, help other people and keep the Guide law.

Respondents are asked to express their preferences for alternatives such as “do my duty to God”, “be true to a higher ideal” and “serve the highest truth and love faithfully at all times”.

Jo Hobbs of Girlguiding UK said: “We are certainly not saying that we do not want anything to do with the Queen, we really value that relationship. But some of the girls struggle with the concept of serving the Queen and what that means.”

The Scout Association has also launched a consultation on an alternative Scout Promise for those unable to pledge a “duty to God”.

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