Church leaders pledged continuing commitment to Scouting and received vows of support in return during a luncheon meeting with national executives of Boy Scouts of America held in conjunction with the National Scout Jamboree here.

Participating with top Boy Scout executives at the luncheon Aug. 6 were President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency; Elder Marion D. Hanks of the Presidency of the Seventy, with his wife, Maxine; Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone of the First Quorum of the Seventy and general Young Men president; Elder Robert B. Harbertson of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and Young Men second counselor; and 13 LDS chaplains serving at the encampment.Addressing the group, Chief Scout Executive Ben H. Love said, "I cannot find words that express the appreciation of the Boy Scouts of America for the LDS Church. It's the best marriage that I've ever seen. It is here because we are all working toward the same mission: making young people outstanding individuals and helping them understand themselves and God, and to keep their bodies clean in thought and deed.

"If all of us will commit to making America the safest place in the world for a young person to grow up in, we can achieve it. And we can achieve it far quicker than our government will achieve it, because we do it from within the heart.

"The commitment that the Boy Scouts of America makes to the LDS Church and its other partners is that we will do everything within our power to make the communities in which young people are growing up safe places where they can achieve their full potential. The resources of this country that are still unexplored are within the mental capacity of God's great gift of youth."

Love presented President Monson a gift on behalf of the Boy Scouts following his remarks.

President Monson then responded on behalf of the Church:

"We appreciate Ben Love, his lovely wife and others who work with them in the Scouting program. We have a great Scouter in Church President Ezra Taft Benson, himself a former Scoutmaster. He and President Gordon B. Hinckley send their love and greetings."

President Monson recalled the message on a BSA Christmas card sent years ago, "The greatest gift that a man can give a boy is his willingness to share a part of his life with him."

"We are all better men when we are participating in the Scout movement," continued President Monson. "We are with you, Ben. You are welcome in our offices and our homes any time. We are grateful for all that you do, and God bless you in this mighty cause."

The luncheon meeting was held immediately after the sacrament service at which President Monson and other General Authorities spoke. (See separate story on page 3.)