News

United Methodist Communications Office of Public Information FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2021 United Methodist churches that have sponsored Boy Scout troops can expect to receive a “disclosure statement package” from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) regarding its pending bankruptcy proceeding in the near future. The mailing seeks to summarize for chartered organizations how the BSA’s proposed plan of reorganization will affect those organizations’ legal rights with respect to ...

To Chartering Churches and the Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church,   Sometimes there is a need to change a practice to achieve desired results. Today, those working on the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy and resolving more than 5,200 abuse claims since 1940 against United Methodist congregations are recommending a modification in how UM congregations charter with Scout troops and Cub packs.   Several months ago, it was recommended that congregations pause the rechartering process ...

For Immediate Release August 26, 2021 THE IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BANKRUPTCY CASE Des Moines, Iowa: The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is overwhelmed with potential liability exposure from sexual assault allegations nationwide. The BSA has filed for bankruptcy protection. Under both of the proposed plans that the BSA has suggested as a way to continue after the bankruptcy, they are leaving their Chartered Organizations out on a ...

Dear Iowa United Methodists:  We write this letter with heavy hearts.  The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is overwhelmed with potential liability exposure from sexual assault allegations nationwide. The BSA has filed for bankruptcy protection. Under both of the proposed plans that the BSA has suggested as a way to continue after the bankruptcy, they are leaving their Chartered Organizations out on a limb by themselves. The Chartered Organizations are the local churches, schools, and civic groups ...