5th Principle of Unitarian Universalism: We affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregation and in society at large.
The congregation of All Souls Church Unitarian is, like all Unitarian Universalist congregations, self-governing. We elect representatives to our Board of Trustees and officers to perform specific duties; vote to approve our budget and call our settled ministers; decide the content of our bylaws and other governing documents; etc. You can read about the various aspects of our governance below.
To learn more about Policy Governance and to review all current policies that govern All Souls Church please visit our Policy Page.
Nine trustees (a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and five other trustees) serve three-year terms on the church’s board; each year, some cycle off and others are elected in their place. The trustees represent the congregation. Read more here.
Six officers are elected each year to fill functions necessary to smooth operation of the church: a moderator, a treasurer and assistant treasurer, a secretary and assistant secretary, and a membership secretary. Read more here.
The Church Council is the collection of all lay leaders of the church, including representatives from all of the church’s ministries and groups. The Council meets twice each year to check in, learn from each other, and explore aspects of church governance. Learn more about the Council here.
The LDNC is a collegial group of seven members who enjoy recruiting lay leaders to serve as trustees and officers. We are passionate about All Souls and its mission. Read more here
Last church year, in addition to our busy recruiting season, the LDNC convened a working group to study All Souls’ nominating-and-leadership-related bylaws. The committee made several suggestions that will improve leadership development and trustee recruitment. The board recommended that the congregation approve some of these recommendations, and will consider the remainder of our suggestions as part of a comprehensive bylaws review this year. Learn more about our bylaws recommendations in this report to the congregation.
The CRR, using the church’s Covenant of Right Relations as its foundational document, deals with conflicts with the congregation and between congregation and staff. Read about Right Relations here.
Once each year, the congregation gathers to hear a report on the state of the church, elect new trustees and officers, and approve next year’s budget. They may also vote on bylaws changes and other matters concerning the governance of the church.
2024 Congregational Meeting – Sunday, June 2, 2024
2023 Congregational Meeting – Sunday, June 4, 2023
2022 Congregational Meeting – Sunday, June 5, 2022
2021 Congregational Meeting – Sunday, June 6, 2021
2020 Congregational Meeting – June 2020 (virtual)
2019 Congregational Meeting – Sunday, December 8, 2019
The Board of Trustees of All Souls Church adopted a policy of publishing the Treasurer’s Quarterly Reports regarding the Church’s financial performance. These are the reports that the Treasurer gives to the Board every quarter to update them on the Church’s financial health.
Audits have been conducted biannually. The most recent audit is listed below.
In preparation for the Design Charette on Sunday, September 15, the Building Team is gathering feedback and ideas from the congregation. Please let us know your ideas on what is important to you for the redesign of the courtyard, the green heart of our community.
This developmental ministry is not about a single minister. Rather, it is about our entire congregation. We hope that you will join us as we “launch” our collective developmental ministry.
As an urban congregation, All Souls is in relationship with a wide range of individuals and groups in the surrounding community. In all we do, we seek to bring our Unitarian Universalist values of compassion, equity, and justice alongside the practical concerns of maintaining our building for community use. Learn more about why we
are installing the fence near the 16th Street entrance.