MATTHEWS, N.C., Oct. 19 (UPI) -- A North Carolina church has barred a Mormon couple from serving as leaders in its Cub Scout program because they are not Christian, a pastor says.
The Rev. Gabe Sylvia told The Charlotte Observer the two sons of Jeremy and Jodi Stokes can join the scouting program at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews. He said the parents are also welcome to become volunteers but cannot function as leaders even though Jeremy Stokes is an Eagle Scout.
"Based on a once-over, informal scan, it looked like the Stokes would be good additions to our leadership," he said. "But when it became clear that they were Mormons, they could not become leaders in our pack. Mormonism is not consistent with historical Christianity."
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints consider themselves Christian. But most Christian churches say their belief in an additional revelation in the Book of Mormon disqualifies them.
Jodi Stokes said the implication that Mormons are not Christian is "offensive."
"I have a picture of Jesus in my living room," she said.
