Much of the work of the Board of Trustees in the past year focused on conference property, conference legal matters, the disaffiliation process, and on churches that have closed. David Peele, chair, led the Annual Conference in prayer for the faithful churches who had to make these hard decisions.
As required by the legislation approved (¶2553) by the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The UMC, Peele outlined the process the Trustees developed for churches to disaffiliate from the denomination (available on the Conference website).
Peele stated, “While we grieve any departure from our shared connectional ministry, the Trustees worked to approve a plan that will allow for disaffiliation in a way we think will honor God and allow the North Carolina Conference to focus our ministry and energy on the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
The focus on providing a gracious exit for churches wishing to disaffiliate was further emphasized by Conference Chancellor Eric Stevens when he addressed the body to explain which aspects of the agreement that the Trustees were able to set and which were set by the Book of Discipline.
Our Conference and local churches have worked hard to be responsive to a bankruptcy proceeding for the Boy Scouts of America related to allegations of abuse. A new relationship agreement has been approved for BSA troops and churches for after the temporary charters run out in June. Several healing steps are planned to support the real people behind this legal battle. More information will be shared soon. Please continue to pray for all survivors of the abuse.
UPDATE:
Our original report on the Trustees included incorrect terminology regarding the bankruptcy proceedings for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). To clarify, there will no longer be a charter between BSA troops and churches.
Instead, The United Methodist Church has developed a new Affiliation Agreement to document relationships between Scout Troops and local churches. This replaces charters and defines the relationship between the organizations. The new Affiliation Agreement more fully clarifies the role of UM congregations, outlines liability insurances the BSA must provide, and includes the responsibilities of the adult Scout leaders.
Existing charters were extended through June 30, 2022. Churches should implement the Affiliation Agreement as of July 1, 2022, with changes in property or accounts being completed as soon as feasible even if not able to be completed by July 1.
As soon as the final Agreement document is released, it will be posted at nccumc.org/boyscouts. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Conference BSA Leadership Team at boyscouts@nccumc.org.