The United Methodist Men has issued this statement regarding the bankruptcy filing of Boy Scouts of America. United Methodist Men stressed that children’s safety is paramount.

On Feb. 18, 2020, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed bankruptcy. This Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing opens the door to meet with the goals of the BSA: care for those who have been harmed during their time in the Boy Scouts and to grow the mission for youth in the future.

This re-organization will occur at the national level. It does not impact local meetings or programs for youth. Councils are independent financial organizations. The change will not impact council or district events.

Our support for the Boy Scouts of America has not changed. We need youth who can make moral and ethical decisions over their lifetimes. We need a place for youth to learn citizenship, group and personal skills. Careers and hobbies that help fulfill the lives of youth are taught here.

If one child is harmed, that is too many. And from the local group to the highest level, the safety of children continues to be paramount.

Youth Protection training has been a focus since the late 1980s for BSA. This predates the first congressional appropriations to the CDC for youth violence prevention (1992). As reported by the BSA, approximately 90% of the pending and asserted claims against the BSA relate to abuse that occurred more than 30 years ago.

This video, produced by The Boy Scouts of America, offers further explanation.

Last Updated on February 25, 2020