Message from the Scout Executive on Scouting and the United Methodist Church

by

October 12, 2021 – Recharter Process for UMC Units

An email entitled “Important Information for Units Chartered to United Methodist Churches” was sent to UMC Unit Key 2’s and included the documentation below.

FAQ’s Concerning UMC Registration/Rechartering (PDF)

Outside Group Facilities Use and Indemnity Agreement (PDF)

Chartered Organization Insurance Tri-fold Brochure (PDF)

October 7, 2021 – Update from Bishop Sharma D. Lewis

Please see below for an important update regarding the relationship between Scouts BSA units and the United Methodist Church Virginia Conference (UMC) from Bishop Sharma D. Lewis.

October 6, 2021 “Developments Regarding the UMC and the Boy Scouts” from the United Methodist Church (PDF)

September 28, 2021 – Statement from George McGovern, Scout Executive

September 28, 2021 BSA Message from George McGovern - UMC

Message from the Scout Executive on Scouting and the United Methodist Church

September 28, 2021 BSA Message from George McGovern – UMC (PDF)

Text Translation

September 28, 2021

Thank you for your continued support of scouting.

We are in challenging times.  However, our focus continues to be on growing our membership to enable our Scouts to acquire leadership skills and to develop character.

Unfortunately, differences have arisen between the BSA and the United Methodist Church regarding use of UMC facilities and having a UMC serve as a chartered organization.  While we have been in communication with Virginia UMC leadership, these issues must be resolved on a national level.

The first priority is to make sure that our units have a place to meet.  Several versions of a Facilities Use Agreement have been circulated.  My understanding is that both national organizations are working on achieving a mutually satisfactory Facilities Use Agreement.  It may be possible for a unit to meet at a UMC facility even if the UMC is not a charter organization.

The issue of having a UMC serve as a charter organization is more complicated.  Some UMC’s are making no change.  Others wish to terminate the relationship.  If your unit has been asked to leave, please contact me and we will do all that we can to assist.  As we receive more information, we will promptly share it with you.  If there are questions, please contact me at georgem.mcgovern@scouting.org.

With kind regards,

George M. McGovern
Scout Executive