Skip to Main Content

Time senstive update on Boy Scouts of America

Posted: November 19 2021 at 03:20 PM
Boyscout

Local churches are receiving legal documents about the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) bankruptcy mailed from Omni Agent Solutions. Local churches that currently charter BSA troops and even churches that had BSA troops in the past are receiving these packets. Handling of these documents is very important for the denomination and potentially for the local church.

Three steps to take should your church receive a packet. 

  1. DO NOT SIGN AND RETURN THE PACKET. One document in the packet, if signed and returned, would release the Boy Scouts of any liability and move the local church in position for any potential lawsuits. Only a decision of the whole church can increase liability in such a manner. This is not a casual affirmation.
  2. All who received a packet should attend a Webinar on November 29 at 7 PM, where we will discuss how to complete the forms and where to send them. You can register for the Zoom meeting here
  3. Finally, you should notify your district office if you received a packet. Some packets include a ballot, and those churches receiving a ballot need to hold a special charge conference on December 5. 


If you are a church that chartered a BSA troop or ever chartered a BSA troop and you did not receive a packet, please contact the BSA Restructuring Hotline at (866) 907-2721 or restructuring@scouting.org and report that you did not receive a packet. You should also sign-up for the webinar. If your local church never chartered a Boy Scouts troop and didn’t receive a packet, there is nothing for you to do, and you can disregard the multiple communications about this matter. 

These concerns have started to take on some urgency. Be sure the district office is aware of a contact email so we can update you as the situation changes. If you have any questions, please contact Lonnie Chafin at lchafin@umcnic.org.

News & Announcements

Flowers Sympathy625x400 2a417 Copy

In Sympathy: Mr. Vi Tran

Mr. Vi Tran, spouse of Rev. Brian Gilbert of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 37.

Alkalyallac2025

NIC Delegation Celebrates Amendments Adoption

The NIC delegates to the 2020/2024 General Conference celebrate the ratification of the four constitutional amendments that affirm the UMC as a fully inclusive church.

Methodist Muslim Dinner 2025

Methodist-Muslim Gathering Encourages Action for Peace

Methodist and Muslim leaders gathered at Journey of Hope UMC in Elgin for an evening of shared faith, dialogue, and fellowship under the theme “United in Solidarity and Pe…

Town And Rural Conversation

Grace Shines Through Town and Rural Churches

Pastors and lay members from small-town and rural churches gathered at Grace UMC in Dixon for the annual Town and Rural Church Festival, themed “Glimpses of God’s Grace.” The event…

Print