SALT LAKE CITY — The LDS Church announced Thursday that it will no longer participate in the Varsity and Venturing programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will shift its focus from Scouting for boys aged 14-18 to that of its young men program, which is intended to provide spiritual, social and physical activities for teenagers. The change will take effect Jan. 1, 2018.

"We express sincere appreciation and gratitude to all adult leaders who have supported young men in these programs and are grateful for our long-standing and continuing partnership with the Boy Scouts of America and Scouts Canada," the LDS Church's First Presidency wrote in a letter.

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