In response to Thursday's vote by Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to allow homosexual youth to become members of its organization, the Assemblies of God has expressed its displeasure and posted a statement concerning the decision.

The Assemblies of God statement, crafted by its leadership, points out that due to a 2000 ruling by the Supreme Court, the Boys Scouts had every legal right to reject efforts by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lobbies to make this change.

". . . we are pleased that the organization [BSA] will retain its policy regarding adult leaders, and applaud the organization for standing firm on that issue," the statement reads. "However, today's vote to allow homosexual youth members negates BSA's ability to legally defend its position regarding leadership..."

The statement goes on to say, "We agree with the BSA that we need to demonstrate compassion and welcome those who are struggling with sexuality issues, but not in a way that condones such behavior, which is what the new BSA policy does."

Expressing that until yesterday's decision, the Church and BSA shared a common mission of preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes, the statement explains that "homosexual conduct is not morally straight" nor is promoting homosexual conduct.

"While we agree that youths who experience confusion or same-sex attraction need to be welcomed, in our churches they are confronted with this biblical teaching and will be counseled and prayed with that God will help them to align their lives in conformity to that teaching," the statement reads.

To read the entire official AG statement on the BSA decision, click here.