Raleigh Pastor Supports Boy Scouts In Fight Against United Way

The Rev. Patrick Wooden of the Upper Room Church Of God in Christ denounces the Triangle United Way's decision to yank funding from local Boy Scouts.

"They ignore all of the other great things the Scouts have done," he said.

Members of Wooden's congregation filled the collection plates Sunday for the Scouts, and presented them with a check for $5,000.

"It is a shot that's fired. What if every church would give that amount or something smaller or greater?" Wooden said.

Wooden hopes other churches will follow his lead. Some members of his church are taking it a step farther.

Myrtle Campbell is the mother of a Boy Scout who donated to the United Way for 20 years. Now, she is giving her money directly to the Scouts instead.

"We need role models. The Boy Scouts help our boys become men," she said.

Wooden said he knows he will be criticized for his views on homosexuals and the Boy Scouts. He said he will stand up for what he believes in, and then he will make another contribution to the Boy Scouts.

United Way officials say their policy forbids discrimination against homosexuals or any other group.