The purpose of this page is specifically to tend to the administrative, legal, and logistical side of a ministry relationship. There are many treasurers, chancellors, and administrative people who need basic answers. They are below.
Latest UPDATE /March 2024:
The Certificate of Insurance for 2024 has been issued. It is attached below (“2024 Certificate of Insurance”). A specific to your church Certificate of Insurance is available through your local council by request. The insurance values have remained the same as last year. The insurance covers the BSA National Council “and All of its affiliates and subsidiaries.” Any church with a signed agreement (Facilities Use, Affiliation Agreement, or Charter) is covered.
The Restructuring Plan has active challenges. It is also in progress with over 3,100 survivors paid to date. To follow the Scouting Settlement Trust work or learn more: Settlement Trust
October 2023 Update
- April 19, 2023 – The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and fulfilled a commitment it made when it commenced its restructuring process in February 2020: to equitably compensate survivors and preserve the mission of Scouting. BSA National and The United Methodist Relationship Committee approved documents for the safest ministry approach. They are shared below. They will continue to remain in effect.
- The General Commission on United Methodist Men (GCUMM) is actively working to follow through with the United Methodist court-accepted settlement through 2038. GCUMM is the court-defined entity to meet the 15-year Scouting Ministry relationship and continue to build a safer Scouting. GCUMM engages with annual coverage changes and keeps The United Methodist Church safe.
Moving Forward
Finally, the first payments to survivors have started. Survivors are needed to help keep improving safety. The Youth Protection Committee has been formed and is working to advise BSA going forward. Our ministry relationship with BSA is based on the willingness to grow in safety and service.
Most of the United Methodist Churches being faithful to their communities and continuing in Scouting have already established their legal relationships. The insurance policy for BSA renews each year in March. It is reviewed by the GCUMM and a communication will be sent to conferences with any notes. The current agreement documents remain the same.
The agreements are found below. The policy levels are active within the policy period. No other action is necessary to be taken.
The two recommended agreements are the Affiliation Agreement and the Facilities Use Agreement.
If a church uses one of the agreements, it is the standard agreement for all UM congregations and is not to be modified. If there are questions about modification, they should be sent to Steven Scheid at GCUMM. SScheid@gcumm.org
Two Agreements
The Final Affiliation Agreement is the affiliated way for the church to connect more and meet local BSA Councils in the middle. The structural change for local BSA Scout Councils to own all the physical assets and share their EIN is a big ask in a short time. This agreement allows for the congregation to hold the physical assets (trailer, tents, chuck boxes, etc.). They remain on the church property insurance in case of left or loss. Many Councils found this to be assistance greatly needed. The document for this agreement is below. No other legal document in UMC/BSA history has so explicitly called on the church to stand in ministry: prayer, communication, and service. When has the church needed a legal document to require prayer for a ministry within the church? This one does. It continues to be in effect as the renewing of relationships starts this fall. New insurance levels will automatically go into effect in March with a signed document.
The Facilities Use Agreement may be used for a Scout group becoming a Council Registered Unit or if the Scout group has found another charter organization. This allows the Scouts to stay at the church and continue Scouting. It does separate the church from legal responsibility to the Scouts, except for space and storage. It does not prevent any individual from serving Christ within the community. Living out faith is the greatest witness we can share. Thank you for serving.
Critical Resources for Making Changes
If the church is working toward a Facilities Use Agreement, the church must fill out a FacilitesUse Agreement from above and a Unit Charter Release if the charter is going to another organization.
If you are working toward an Affiliation Agreement, the church must fill out the Final Affiliation Agreement from above and a Transfer of Funds to the Local Council form. The church is encouraged to support the Scouts by holding physical assets and insuring them.
2024 Certificate of Insurance
Supporting the Church, the Settlement, and Youth in Ministry
The GCUMM is participating in the Youth Protection Committee. We are assisting with a resolution that will affirm the legal language of the settlement for the General Conference. We are committed to building youth, the church, and the mission of Christ within our world. Partners in the cause are more valuable now than ever. We continue to build a better and safer relationship with even deeper resources for ministry.
Questions
Contact us. We are here to help you, local churches, and ministry. SScheid@gcumm.org
Scouting Ministries 