SALT LAKE CITY - The Mormon church - the nation's largest sponsor of Boy Scout units - is keeping its longtime affiliation with the organization despite its decision to allow gay troop leaders.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the decision Wednesday in a news release. Church leaders decided to stay with Boy Scouts after getting assurances they can appoint troop leaders according to their own religious and moral values.

Boy Scouts of America announced on July 28 it would lift its ban on gay adult leaders while allowing church-sponsored Scout units to continue excluding gay adults.

The Mormon religion, with 15 million members, has softened its tone on gays in recent years but still opposes gay marriage and believes homosexual activity is a sin.