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Boys and Girls Club of America "I believe in God"

BGCA clubs receive millions of dollars in government grants. The Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) motto begins with "I believe in God and". This self-avowal of beliefs appears on membership applciation forms. Does BGCA make it clear that belief in God is not required for participation in its government subsidzied membership based youth programs? There is no comment about requirements for membership, beyond the age restriction and annual fee, on the BGCA web site.

As a recipient of government grants BGCA may want to consider making it clearer that non-monotheists are welcome. At a minimum, some statement should appear on their web page and in their literature saying that they will accept membership applications with the "believe in God and" phrase crossed out and that participants do not have to self-aver belief in one God. Otherwise the legality of continued government subsidies can, and not doubt eventually will, be challanged. It would be a shame if BGCA would one day have to increase its low annual fee because of a misplaced and narrow minded commitment to monotheistic chauvanism.

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