ChickenMan

8 minutes ago, 5thGenTexan said:

I need to report to our committee on what is going on, so I would like the Cliffs Notes version of why the Methodist Church decided to vote "No" so I can explain to people that have not kept up at all.

This was released by the Bishop and the Conference Scouting Coordinator of North Georgia Conference of the UMC today:

Quote

"United Methodist leadership and the BSA have agreed to the following joint statement regarding the status of units chartered by United Methodist churches.

 

The Boy Scouts of America and United Methodist leadership continue to work together to resolve matters related to BSA’s financial restructuring and have agreed, in the best interest of the young people who participate in Scouting, to strongly recommend to United Methodist chartering organizations and Boy Scout Councils to extend existing charter agreements and facility use agreements in force at this time through March 31, 2022. There will be no additional fee required from those chartering organizations through March 31, 2022. This will pause new chartering, re-chartering, and the use of facility use agreements with United Methodist churches. This automatic extension will allow Boy Scouts of America, United Methodist leadership, and other parties in the bankruptcy case time to resolve important issues affecting chartered organizations, including a favorable release for chartered organizations for any Scout abuse claims."

 

Congregations that charter Scouts are strongly encouraged to follow this process as it resolves confusion and helps us resolve our concerns in the mediation process. To be clear, this statement calls for the BSA and UM congregations to pause any rechartering conversations and use what is in place at this time. There is a team working on a new UM charter for Scouting ministries that may be used in the future. 

 

"The United Methodist Church has four goals to meet through the mediation process. 

 

1. The healing of survivors and commitment to how we will continue to work to end abuse. Our congregations and UMC leadership have and continue to make progress on ending abuse. Less than 1% of our cases occurred in the last 20 years. The other 99% occurred prior to 2000. While this is significant progress, we strive to work toward ending abuse. 

 

2. Gaining a release for all of the UM claims against our congregations that will prevent anyone from suing a congregation for a claim directly related to Boy Scout activity prior to 2020. 

 

3. Not using a congregation’s insurance to resolve any of the more than 5,200 UM claims. 

 

4. A financial settlement. 

 

"We want to assure you that our United Methodist chancellors and more than 200 United Methodist leaders are working on your behalf to reach these goals. In addition to pausing all rechartering through March of 2022 and continuing with the present charter or facilities use agreement, today we ask that you pray for the survivors’ healing. We also ask you to pray for those leading this effort. God has gifted us with compassion and wisdom to reach just settlements and faithfully steward the resources of The United Methodist Church. "

Copy of full letter is located here: https://northga-email.brtapp.com/files/fileslibrary/bishop/letter+from+bishop+sue+and+chris+10-6-21.pdf

Will do! Thanks!

23 minutes ago, ShootingSports said:

Email me at glaacshootingsports@gmail.com with your questions about anything for Venturing Scouts or Adult Advisors.

So, yeah, This sounds great, but I'm trying to get more info on it -- I emailed PTC, and they said they'd pass my query on to the course director, but I haven't heard anything yet. Does anybody have any more info than just what's listed here (this is what's on the PTC course description page)?

If you haven't been there, take a look at http://www.venturing.org/

I’m the new kid on the block on this forum, but I’d like to invite you folks to the United Methodist Scouters’ Conference at Philmont Training Center July 15-21.

I’m serving as leader for the week-long conference designed for local church, district and conference Scouting coordinators, Scout leaders, Charter Organization Representatives, Committee Members, clergy, and youth leaders. Heck, if you once walked by a Methodist Church, we’d take you.

The course is designed to benefit both experienced church Scouters and those new to either organization (the United Methodist Church or Scouting). We focus on how the Methodist church and Scouting can and should work together to benefit the youth we serve..

Attendees are housed at Philmont Training Center at Philmont Scout Ranch at Cimarron, NM, at the edge of the Sangre de Cristos Mountains.

Registration is through the Philmont Training Center at www.philmonttrainingcenter.org

A more complete explanation along with many links to detailed information is included on the attached file.

If I can help with any other info, please don't hesitate to let me know.

UMC at PTC.pdf

Folks:

I've been lurking for a while, and just decided to jump in.

I'm liking what I see here.

I'm a District Training Chair, a Venturing Advisor, a committee member for the troop and pack. Perhaps more importantly, I'm involved with United Methodist Scouting Ministry. I'll be serving as course director for the UM Scouters' Conference at Philmont Training Center.

I'm already learning from y'all, and hope I can contribute to the conversation.