Overview

• Archbishop Robert Casey and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio announced that troops may meet on Catholic property with a pastor’s approval and a signed Facility Use Agreement.
• Documents released with the agreement state that activities at Catholic sites cannot advocate positions that contradict Church teaching, with the Archdiocese designated as the sole judge of conflicts.
• The memorandum specifies that participation does not equal endorsement of all policies on either side, and GSWO will distribute Archdiocese guidance on programs deemed not permitted.
• The arrangement reverses an October 2024 separation ordered by then-Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr over concerns about gender and sexuality materials, which had pushed some parishes toward American Heritage Girls.
• Both parties described recent talks as respectful and centered on girls’ well-being, and GSWO highlighted support for members’ spiritual growth through their own faith communities.