Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, resident bishop of the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, released this statement regarding the pending vote on the proposed Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy plan:
My friends, we have reached an important juncture in the ongoing Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy proceedings, and the potential legal effects they could have on many local churches in the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Today, a committee tasked with advising and supporting the bankruptcy lawyers who are representing United Methodist churches that have chartered BSA units issued a statement encouraging those congregations to vote against the current proposed bankruptcy plan.
Based on the recommendation of this United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee, other information I have received, and the advice of our South Carolina Conference Chancellor, I also strongly recommend that voting churches in South Carolina vote “no” on this plan. Please note that this would not be a vote against the BSA – it would be a vote against a plan that would not protect our local churches as BSA chartering organizations.
I want to thank the members of this committee for their hard work thus far, and for their commitment to the challenging work that lies ahead.
I also would ask all South Carolina United Methodists to join me in continuing prayer for all of those victimized by abuse, and for the local and national church leaders working tirelessly to resolve this difficult dispute.
Grace and peace,
L. Jonathan Holston
Resident Bishop
South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church
