Updated Boy Scouts of America Information from Bishop Tracy S. Malone

Dear Pastors and Church Leaders,

The United Methodist Church, as a connectional system, is a gift to conferences, districts, and local churches of our denomination because it provides avenues for shared mission and witness and the sharing and receiving of resources, ideas, and expertise. Currently, I and my episcopal colleagues across the Church are continuing to work with our respective conference chancellors and counsel for The United Methodist Church to resource our conferences and the local churches that charter Boy Scout troops.

As I stated in my letter to you on August 18, the Boy Scouts of America has declared bankruptcy resulting from abuse allegations going back many decades. Because United Methodist churches are often the chartering organization for those Scout troops, our churches are at risk of being included in legal proceedings as abuse victims seek redress.

To resource our pastors, congregations, and faith communities, I formed the East Ohio Conference Boy Scouts of America (EOC BSA) leadership team. The Conference leaders that were selected was because of the roles they serve, based upon the guidance received from our denomination’s Ad Hoc Committee representing the interests of The United Methodist Church in this legal matter. The EOC BSA leadership team is:

Mr. Rex Miller – Conference Chancellor
Rev. Ed. Peterson – Assistant to the Bishop
Mrs. Vera Rebrovich – Director of Financial & Administrative Services
Rev. Dan Bryant – Chair of the Council on Finance & Administration
Rev. Dr. Randall May – President of the Board of Trustees

The EOC BSA leadership team, working in consultation with leadership of The United Methodist Church, strongly urges:

that churches do not initiate or renew any chartering agreements with the Boy Scouts of America.
that churches enter into a Facilities Use Agreement that will act like a lease allowing the Scout unit to use church facilities, but the Scout unit will be responsible for everything else, including selection of leaders. A Facilities Use Agreement template can be downloaded for use here, or in the sidebar to the right.

Some East Ohio Conference churches have been named in the legal proceedings involving the Boy Scouts of America. The EOC BSA leadership team has notified the current pastors of those churches and more information is being provided directly to them.

The United Methodist Church continues to be supportive of scouting, and counsel for our denomination is resourcing the Conference leadership team so that we can provide information and guidance to our pastors, congregations, and faith communities. If you have a question for the EOC BSA leadership team, please e-mail the team at BSA_UMC_Questions@eocumc.com.

Yours in Christ,
Bishop Tracy S. Malone