IF YOUR CHURCH HAS EVER CHARTERED AND/OR HOSTED A BOY SCOUT TROOP, YOU NEED TO READ THIS NOW.
 
IMMEDIATE ACTION IS REQUIRED!
Links to Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Church Resolution
General Engagement Terms & Conditions
Memorandum of Understanding with the CTC
The Boy Scouts of America (the “BSA”) is going through a bankruptcy process stemming from several sexual abuse claims filed against the organization. The “Annual Charter Agreement” that a local church signs suggests that the church is effectively responsible for conducting the Scouting program in its entirety, including the selection and screening of adult volunteers. As such, a local church that serves as a Chartering Organization could clearly be held liable in a sexual abuse claim. An example charter agreement is attached.
 
The Conference has engaged the law firm of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP of Tampa, Florida (the “Bradley Firm”) to represent the Conference and its electing local churches with respect to filing proof of claim documentation in the BSA bankruptcy. The Bradley Firm is also representing the Florida Conference and its local churches in this matter. We have agreed to work jointly with the Florida Conference, and potentially other conferences that may elect to join this group.
 
All local churches of the Central Texas Conference that wish to file a Proof of Claim in this matter are invited to engage the Bradley firm under our arrangement FREE OF CHARGE. All legal bills incurred in this engagement with the Bradley Firm relating to filing a Proof of Claim will be paid by the Conference out of Connectional Mission Giving funds. 
 
To use this process, you will need to do the following:
 
The deadline for submitting a Proof of Claim is Nov. 16, 2020 at 5 p.m. EST/4 p.m. Central. The Bradley Firm has asked that we have all information to them in advance so they can complete their work in a timely fashion. If you wish to use this process, you need to complete the online form by Nov. 2, 2020. 
 
There is no obligation to engage the Bradley Firm.  If your church has already made arrangements with other counsel, please feel free to continue with your plans. 
 
If you have any questions, please contact Clifton Howard (cliftonhoward@ctcumc.org) at your earliest convenience.