Time Sensitive – Action Required
Partners in Ministry,
Many of our Churches have chartered Boy Scout Troops, and as you probably know the Boy Scouts of America has declared bankruptcy. The bankruptcy settlement includes a mechanism by which creditors may file to be included in the payment of costs which have been incurred or to essentially file a placeholder against a future cost. While these filings are relatively simple, the deadline to file is fast approaching. All “Proof of Claims” must be filed by 5PM on Monday 11/16/2020.
Why would we need to do this? If your church has chartered a Boy Scout Troop which is operating now or had in the past and a lawsuit alleging misconduct on behalf of the troop’s leadership is filed at some time in the future, filing a “Proof of Claim” is the only way to ensure that any costs related to that suit would be covered even partially by the Boy Scouts of America. Depending on your insurance carrier, timely filing of these documents might be necessary for them to cover the excess liability beyond what would be covered in the bankruptcy settlement. You would want to file to be sure that you cover your bases in the unlikely event that a future suit is filed.
What do we need to do? Linked to this article are 4 forms which need to be filled out, a “Proof of Claim” and an addendum which need to be filed in each of two cases. They have been prepared by the presbytery’s lawyers and are ready for you to simply fill in your church’s name and information and then file the forms electronically. Filing Instructions/checklist is also linked. When you submit your documents through the link included in the instructions you will create 2 separate claims one ‘In Re: Boy Scouts of America Case 20-10343’ and one “in Re: Delaware Boy Scouts of America Case 20-342.” This is a result of the corporate structure of the Boy Scouts, and each church should file the forms in both cases. There is no cost to file these online yourselves. If you would rather that the presbytery’s law firm file these completed forms on behalf of your church the cost will be $200 and completed forms need to be returned to Jeremy ASAP so that the law firm may file in time.
Please feel free to call me with any questions at 732-887-2540 and I’ll do my best to get you answers.
In Peace,
Jeremy
Rev. Jeremy Campbell
Stated Clerk
