If you have not heard, the Supreme Court has ruled on the appeal against the bankruptcy settlement of the Boy Scouts of America. This means that the United Methodist settlement moves forward as well. It is time to go forward.
For those who do not know what it entails, below is some key language of the settlement.
“1. recommend participation as a member of the Survivors Working Group which currently includes Survivors, and representatives of the BSA and AHCLC;
2. recommend and encourage that all United Methodist U.S. Congregations and Entities involved with youth programming review and follow all safe sanctuary/ministry safe policies and procedures and consider all recommendations from the Survivors Working Group regarding best practices for youth protection;
3. recommend and encourage that all United Methodist Entities take any and all actions, with input from the Survivors Working Group to be necessary for enhancement of youth protection at United Methodist Entities engaged in Scouting;
4. recommend and encourage that United Methodist News Service and U.S. Annual Conferences publish a series of articles about the BSA bankruptcy and the sexual abuse of young people in denominational resources (including on-line and in print), so as to reach the broadest possible audience among all U.S. United Methodist Entities;
5. recommend and encourage all United Methodist Entities to provide each survivor who was a part of a United Methodist chartered Boy Scout Troop or Cub Pack to share their experience and suggestions and recommendations for the church with a United Methodist Leader. Leaders will be trained to listen, receive the survivors’ experience and suggestions and recommendations for the church. These suggestions and recommendations will be shared with the United Methodist BSA bankruptcy leadership team to review for incorporation in United Methodist practices and procedures to make Scouting and other ministries safe for young people; and
g. Recommend that the General Commission on United Methodist Men (GCUMM) continue to: work with the BSA and the Local Councils to improve scouting, particularly in the area of scout safety, and grow scouting ministry; carry out its duties relating to scouting ministries as mandated by The United Methodist Book of Discipline and Book of
Resolutions; and propose legislation and resolutions to the General Conference at least through the year 2036 to strengthen and grow partnerships through scouting ministries. Because of United Methodist polity, nothing in this statement shall bind a conference or
local church;”Doc 7929 – Settlement Term Sheet 4865-3071-6950
How can you help the church and Scouting find a way forward?
Matthew 10:16-31 should open our eyes to how Christ saw the risks of ministry.
“Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Berean Standard Bible)”
The simple truth is there’s much work to do and too much fear. The list of recommendations is important to justice and the witness.
Our fishtank will empty without catching new Christians. We should not be casting with lines but with nets – wide and deep. And we should be faithful, taking no fear, as we go out into the world and bring those outside in, as Christ sent those who first followed Him. We know there are wolves. That is why we train, check, watch, and the more eyes the better.
Scouting Ministries 