Scouts may welcome atheists for first time

The movement, led by TV adventurer Bear Grylls, is launching a consultation to see if members would support an alternative Scout Promise for those who feel unable to pledge a “duty to God”.

For more than 40 years, versions of the oath have existed for faith groups including Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists, but this is the first time Scouts have considered an adaptation for atheists.

The proposed changes are designed to increase diversity in the movement and enable more young people and adults to join.

Membership of the Scouts has risen from 444,936 in 2005 to 525,364 this year.

Since 2002, the number of girls taking part has increased by 69 per cent while more than 50 scout groups catering for young people drawn mainly from Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities have opened in the last 10 years.

The Scout Promise reads: “On my honour, I promise that I will do my best to do my duty to God and to the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Scout Law.”

Alternative versions allow Hindus and Buddhists to use the word “my Dharma” while Muslims can use the word “Allah”.