FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2022

• The bankruptcy court has approved the restructuring plan.
• The plan will be appealed. It will take to work its way through the district court.
• The Judge laid a path for the plan in the district court.
• The United Methodist Settlement is a key to supporting Scouting.
• Through the General Commission on United Methodist Men, the commitment was made to support Scouting and growth in Scouting through 2036.
• United Methodists have a solid way to move forward in ministry safely.

Court Update

On September 8^th, Judge Silverstein gave her approval to the Boy Scouts of America restructuring plan. There are appeals expected to be dealt with by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Judge Silverstein wrote a 281-page opinion with 250 footnotes preparing the way for the district court. This does mean the restructuring plan has a solid opportunity to move forward. If it does, it will include the United Methodist Entities Settlement.

The United Methodist Settlement

The judge’s opinion offered, “No one objects to the contribution of the United Methodist entities.” The commitment is to help heal and support the ministry. “Not only do the contributions further fund the Settlement Trust…their commitment to continue to work with Scouting helps to ensure both the future of Scouting and the contribution of the Settlement Growth Payment to the Settlement Trust.”

Relationship

Through the General Commission on United Methodist Men, the commitment was made to support Scouting and growth in Scouting through 2036. GCUMM supports safe Scouting for youth, adults, and our churches.

A solid Way Forward in Ministry

To support youth having additional positive contact with the church and growth opportunities, GCUMM is actively seeking to support the negotiated agreements with BSA. Each provides a clarified indemnity and defined insurance. The roles and responsibilities do shift. The role of the church to share faith and support youth growth does not change.

Boy Scouts of America Councils need to restructure and work through the relationship. Time is needed to make the changes. Dec. 31, 2022, is the deadline for completing changes to the relationship documents. Until the changes are completed, an interim agreement through the GCUMM extends all insurance and indemnification identified in the new agreements.

Steven Scheid, Director of the Center for Scouting Ministries, shared, “Scouting builds the wells of skills and leadership. The church helps fill the well with living water. That is why we Scout.”

More information at methodistscouter.org

Contact:
gcumm@gcumm.org
Ph: (615) 620-7266