Monmouth & Jersey Shore Councils > About > Council Committees > Religious Relations

Religious Relations

A Scout is Reverent. A Scout is faithful in their religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.

Scouting America maintains a nonsectarian policy, affirming that spiritual training and religious faith are essential to character development.

The Council Religious Relationships Committee exists to strengthen ties between Scouting America, local chartering partner organizations, and diverse faith communities across Central Jersey and the Jersey Shore. We support Scouts of all faiths in earning their respective Youth Religious Emblems and recognize adult leaders for exceptional spiritual service.

Purpose of the Council Religious Relations Committee

The Committee supports local Scouting across four main areas:

  • Coordinate the promotion of the use of Scouting by the various religious relationships committees.
  • Promote understanding and cooperation between the different religious faiths by creating opportunities for interfaith dialogue and advocacy
  • Sharing in the annual planning process of the Council
  • Developing program designed to build bridges between faith communities
  • Promoting Scouting’s ideals of Reverence and Duty to God

Religious Emblems Programs

While Scouting America encourages every Scout to fulfill their Duty to God, the specific emblem programs are developed and administered by individual religious organizations.

When earned, Scouts are presented with the emblem medal from their faith community and are eligible to wear the official Youth Religious Emblem Square Knot (Purple on Silver) on their Scouting America uniform.

Available Faith Programs

  • Catholic (Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare Dei, Pope Pius XII)

  • Protestant & Independent Christian (P.R.A.Y. Programs: Jesus & Me, God & Me, God & Family, God & Church, God & Life)

  • Jewish (Maccabee, Aleph, Ner Tamid, Etz Chaim)

  • Islamic (Bismillah, Alpha & Omega)

  • Eastern Orthodox (Saint George, Chi-Rho)

  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Vanguard Scouting Affiliation)

  • Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Eastern Catholic, Unitarian Universalist, and others.

🔗 Explore All Faith Programs:

Visit the national Scouting America Religious Emblems Directory to find requirements, workbooks, and ordering details specific to your Scout’s faith.

Upcoming Religious Holidays and Events

Additional Resources

BSA Calendar of Religious Dates

Religious Chartered Organization Resources

PRAY Pub– Religious Awards Program

Subcommittees and/or cooperating committees of the council relationships committee include the following religious groups, and may expand with interest and capability:

Council Religious Relationships Contacts

Have questions, need emblem counselor information, or want to join the committee? Reach out to our council representatives:

  • Religious Relationships Committee Chair: Bray Barnes*

  • Catholic Committee on Scouting Representative: 

  • Protestant / P.R.A.Y. Representative: Dave Tinker

  • Jewish Committee on Scouting Representative: Matthew Kaufmann

  • Islamic Committee on Scouting Representative: Saffet Catovic
  • Council Staff Advisor: Robert Buob