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 the Boy Scouts after getting assurances they can appoint troop leaders according to their own religious and moral values.

The church “will appoint Scout leaders and volunteers who uphold and exemplify church doctrine, values, and standards,” Mormon leaders said in the statement.