Governance
This is a layman's summary of the basic governance of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington. See also Bylaws and Board Policies.
- Our congregation is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA), whose purpose is to serve its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions, and implement its principles.
- The Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington is an autonomous organization governed according to the bylaws written and adopted by the congregation.
- The congregation selects or "calls" its own Ministers. A lay committee screens applicants and brings one candidate to the congregation for consideration. After the candidate has participated in congregational life for a week, Members hold a special meeting to determine whether to call him/her. At least one third of the membership must attend, and the candidate must receive a favorable vote of at least 80% of those present. Bylaws specify that the Minister(s) shall at all times be accorded a free pulpit. A Minister may be dismissed by a vote of the congregation.
- Membership is open to anyone eighteen years or older in sympathy with the purposes of this church. Those interested in membership are encouraged to take the Exploring Unitarian Universalism class or talk with a Minister first. Six Sundays a year new Members sign the Membership Book in the presence of a Board member and a Minister. The membership roll is reviewed annually, and any Member who has not participated in the last year is asked whether s/he wishes to remain a Member.
- Diversity: It is the policy of this church not to discriminate in any of its activities against any person based on the person's race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, class, economic status, political affiliation or religious beliefs.
- There are two regular meetings of the Members each year, usually held in late spring and December. Special Meetings of the congregation may also be called. Notification of all meetings must be made at least ten days in advance. Each Member has one vote and Members may vote in person only. The quorum for regular meetings is one-tenth of the membership. One third must be present at a meeting to appoint or dismiss a Minister.
- This church is supported by the annual pledges and contributions of its Members and Friends. We receive no financial support for our annual budget from the Unitarian Universalist Association. In the spring all Members and Friends are asked to make a pledge of financial support for the fiscal year that begins July 1 and ends June 30. An annual budget is proposed by the Board and established by the congregation.
- Elections for the Board of Directors, Special Purposes Fund and Nominating Committee take place at the spring meeting. Only Members may fill elected positions.
- A twelve-member Board of Directors meets monthly to set policy, address long-term plans, and manage the affairs of the church. The Board is made up of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, past president, and seven at-large members. The Ministers are non-voting ex-officio members.
- The Council, made up of representatives from all church programming committees, meets periodically to coordinate the calendar of activities and foster communication among committees. The vice president chairs the Council.
- There are two elected committees: Nominating and the Special Purposes Fund (SPF). The SPF administers bequests and memorial contributions to the church. These funds remain separate from the other financial affairs of the church and are used for religious, charitable, educational and civic purposes.
- All other committees are made up of those who volunteer or are asked to serve. Each committee selects its own chairperson.
