On January 12, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider a challenge to the global settlement of abuse claims brought against United Methodist churches and other organizations that sponsored Boy Scout programs. This was the final avenue for challenge to the settlement. As a result of this decision, lawsuits claiming that the plaintiffs were victims of sexual abuse when they participated in scouting programs sponsored by United Methodist churches will be dismissed. The claimants in those lawsuits will still be able to pursue their claims in the context of the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy proceeding, and a large settlement fund is available to provide compensation to those who establish their claims.

“Our prayers, hearts, and minds are alongside persons on the healing journey who experienced harm,” said Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton.

Previously, several lawsuits were filed against the North Carolina Conference and local churches within the Conference in late 2021. Those suits were all “stayed,” or placed on hold, during the pendency of the bankruptcy proceeding of the Boy Scouts of America. Thereafter, United Methodist leaders reached a settlement in the bankruptcy through which United Methodists agreed to raise and contribute $30 million to a settlement fund to compensate abuse survivors, and all claims of abuse involving scouting programs sponsored by United Methodist churches or other entities would be resolved without further liability. The settlement was approved by the bankruptcy court in 2022; however, a group of claimants appealed the ruling, seeking to pursue lawsuits against churches and other sponsors of scouting programs. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the ruling that approved the settlement; however, a group of plaintiffs asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case and consider whether the settlement should have been approved. The Supreme Court declined the request on January 12, and the settlement is now final. Under the settlement, the lawsuits filed against the Conference and local churches will be dismissed, and the claimants can pursue compensation from the fund set up by the bankruptcy court.

We are grateful to the Ad Hoc Committee of United Methodist bishops, chancellors, and others who spent countless hours navigating an extremely complex situation in order to negotiate and then preserve a settlement that provides fair compensation to abuse victims, ensures the proper steps are taken to prevent future abuse, and protects the financial viability of United Methodist constituent organizations.

Bishop Shelton stated, “We are committed to Safer Sanctuaries practices so the most vulnerable among us are protected and safe.”

The NC Conference Safer Sanctuaries Committee actively works to train and guide our leaders and churches in creating and maintaining policies to ensure safe places to worship.

Rev. Charlotte Brendel, chair of the Conference Safer Sanctuaries Committee, shared, “The Safer Sanctuaries Committee is committed to offering support to members of the North Carolina Conference regarding abuse prevention for children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Our Conference policy states, ‘God values human life, intending all men, women, and children to have worth and dignity in all relationships with God and others. To this end, the Conference cares deeply about the safety and well-being of all God’s children who come to us to experience God’s love, especially children, youth, and those people who fall within the definition of vulnerable adults.’ We deeply care for persons who have experienced harm from abuse, and pray for complete healing for these persons.”

Bishop Shelton urged, “If you are a claimant in the Boy Scouts of America lawsuit and want to share your story with me and the cabinet, we want to listen.”

We stand firm on our Conference’s commitment to Safer Sanctuaries, a non-negotiable policy expected to be implemented by every congregation. These expectations are essential practices that safeguard the integrity of our witness and the well-being of all who enter our churches.

Learn more about Safer Sanctuaries policies and trainings→
Read past updates on our Boy Scouts page→