Right Relations Committee

Our Congregational Covenant frames our intentions to be in right relation with others even in conflict, to support each other as we search for truth, and to go forward in community. The Right Relations Committee serves as a resource for the congregation as we live our covenant and can be called on for guidance when conflict arises.

The current members of the committee, appointed by the Board in consultation with the Minister, are Denise Breeden-Ost, Mary Mahern, Charlie Pickle, and Drew Schrader.

The committee is available to help support congregational relationships. For congregants experiencing interpersonal conflict, we can offer:

• A listening ear for individual discernment.
• Conversation and questions to help clarify what's happening, concerns, hopes and intentions, and options for moving forward.
• Shared reflection on how our Congregational Covenant applies to the situation.
• Facilitation or mediation of a discussion, if all parties agree.

We will:

• Respect the dignity and worthiness of every person.
• Listen with care and consider all perspectives.
• Be mindful of the role of identity and power in relationships and conflict.
• Hold situations in confidence as far as possible.
• Continue to learn about right relations, communication, and conflict, and share what we learn with the congregation when appropriate.
• Model healthy communication and conflict care ourselves.

We encourage you to reach out to us if you're experiencing conflict in the congregation; if you're feeling hurt or think you may have hurt someone; if you're not sure how to handle a situation. Together, we can move through conflict toward wisdom, care, and community.

You can reach us by emailing rightrelations@uubloomington.org