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Siblings in Christ,
 
I greet you in the name and with the love of Jesus Christ.  I am writing you with an update regarding our continued conversation with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and those negotiating on behalf of individuals who filed more than 5200 claims associated with United Methodist churches (UMC). 
 
Previously we asked that all United Methodist chartering congregations pause in rechartering BSA units.  Instead of renewing charters, we asked that you extend them, not create any new charters and develop a facility use agreement.  However, the Boy Scouts of America and the United Methodist Church leadership have re-evaluated the situation and agreed to simplify the matter by extending existing charters through March of 2022.  The following is a joint statement by the BSA and the UMC leadership team that has been negotiating this matter.  
 

The Boy Scouts of America and the United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee continue to work together to resolve matters related to BSAs financial restructuring and have agreed, in the best interest of the young people who participate in Scouting, to strongly recommend to United Methodist chartering organizations and Boy Scout Councils to extend existing charter agreements and facility use agreements in force at this time through March 31, 2022. There will be no additional fee required from those chartering organizations through March 31, 2022.  This will pause new chartering, re-chartering and the use of facility use agreements with United Methodist churches. This automatic extension will allow Boy Scouts of America, United Methodist leadership, and other parties in the bankruptcy case time to resolve important issues affecting chartered organizations, including a favorable release for chartered organizations for any Scout abuse claims.

 
I appreciate your grace and patience during this ongoing process.  As your bishop and a leader in the United Methodist Church, my hope is that at the conclusion of this process we will, as a denomination and an annual conference, be able to provide restitution for the victims, maintain our long-standing relationship with the BSA, and provide for the continuation of ministry for all of our churches. 
 
Peace and blessings,
 
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi
 

Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference
Bishop@wpaumc.org | 724.776.1499