December 22, 2021

Dear Scouting Leaders,

The following message was released by Bishop David Bard of the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church.  We wanted to share with you these important and latest developments in the National Council Boy Scouts of America Chapter 11 Bankruptcy case.

Message from Bishop David Bard

To: The Congregational and Clergy Leaders of the Michigan Conference
From: Bishop David Bard
Date: December 21, 2021

Friends, download and read the press release below for an important update.

I am pleased that those working on behalf of The United Methodist Church have reached a settlement in the matter for the Boy Scouts of America’s pending bankruptcy. Caring for those who have been abused and hurt remains the church’s top priority and this settlement keeps that at the heart of our agreement. I am grateful for all who have worked so diligently to bring us to this point and hope that the proposal is approved by the bankruptcy court in January 2022.

For those churches who have already voted to reject the prior bankruptcy agreement, we will be asking you to submit a new vote and information about that will be coming in the next couple of days.

Now that a proposed settlement has been reached, more direction will be given to local congregations about their relationships with the Boy Scouts early in the new year. We continue to ask congregations to extend their current agreement with Scout troops and packs through March 31, 2022.

Let me know if you have any questions and thank you.

Grace and Peace,

Bishop David Alan Bard
Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church

Read the official announcement here

Lauri Champion
Council President

Timothy Ekola
Council Commissioner

Donald Shepard
Scouts Executive / CEO