Church Governance

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.

2022 LDNC Bylaws Report

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.

Read the All Souls Church Unitarian Security Policy.

The Board of Trustees Security Committee is looking for your feedback. The Committee is in the initial phases of developing a security policy that will encompass the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of the All Souls community. This survey, which is only the first of many ways the Security Committee will engage the congregation over the next few months, gathers information on where we are now and identifies people who want to be involved in this very important effort. We fully expect that our individual and collective views will evolve through this process of information gathering, and your voice is very important to the creation of a policy that will support a safe and welcoming space for everyone when we gather again. Learn more about the Security Committee.

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.

2023 Congregational Meeting – Sunday, June 4, 2023

2022 Congregational Meeting

2021 Congregational Meeting

2020 Congregational Meeting

2019 Congregational Meeting

Audits have been conducted biannually. The most recent audit is listed below.

2022 Financial Statements, audit conducted by URA

Bylaws Review Team – The recommended changes to the bylaws will be voted on during the June 4, 2023 annual meeting.

Most Recent Information from Church Leadership

The Right Time

A letter to the congregation from Rev. Louise Green, Minister of Congregational Care. Dear All

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