WOSM
ICCS and Its Consultative Status in World Scouting
Since 1994, the International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS) has held consultative status with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM). This status allows the ICCS to engage with the World Scout Committee, offering guidance on matters of both general and specific interest that impact the global Scout Movement.
Inter-Religious Cooperation in World Scouting
The ICCS is an active participant in the Inter-religious Forum of World Scouting, alongside other religious organizations that hold consultative status:
- Council of Protestants in Guiding and Scouting (CPGS)
- International Link of Orthodox Christian Scouts (DESMOS)
- International Forum of Jewish Scouts (IFJS)
- International Union of Muslim Scouts (IUMS)
- World Buddhist Scout Brotherhood (WBSB)
Through this forum, ICCS fosters dialogue, cooperation, and mutual support among different faith communities within Scouting.
Collaboration on WOSM’s Spiritual Development Guidelines
ICCS has actively contributed to WOSM’s work on spiritual development, particularly in drafting key documents such as:
- Guidelines on Spiritual and Religious Development (March 2010)
- Guidelines on Spiritual Development (December 2020)
By collaborating in these initiatives, ICCS continues its mission of strengthening spiritual growth within Scouting, fostering dialogue, and maintaining strong relationships with other religious organizations in WOSM.
Supporting Catholic Scout Associations within WOSM
Beyond its role in interreligious dialogue, ICCS is committed to assisting Catholic Scout Associations in their integration within the World Scout Movement. This includes:
- Working with WOSM to develop practical and accessible pathways for Catholic Scout Associations wishing to join.
- Clarifying the status of Catholic committees within national Scout organizations that have an open membership policy.
ICCS remains dedicated to ensuring that Catholic Scouts worldwide can fully participate in the Scout Movement while preserving their faith identity.
Contributing to Spiritual Development in Scouting
As a consultative body, the ICCS plays a crucial role in shaping discussions and initiatives related to the spiritual fulfillment of young Catholics in Scouting. Within WOSM, it contributes to defining the aims and content of spiritual development, proposing action plans and programs to support young people in their spiritual journey.
Strengthening the Spiritual Dimension of Scouting
During the World Scout Conference in Baku (2017), ICCS played a pivotal role in advancing resolutions that reinforced the spiritual dimension within the Scout Method. This included:
- Ensuring the educational value of spiritual development in Scouting.
- Upholding the fundamental Scout principle of duty to God.
ICCS and its member associations worked closely with other religious organizations within WOSM to shape these key texts.