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 ministers; decide the content of our bylaws and other governing documents; etc. You can read about the various aspects of our governance below.

Eleven trustees (including a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and seven 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.

The LDNC comprises 15 members (five cycling on and off each year) who identify and recruit lay leaders to serve as trustees and officers. The LDNC also runs the church’s Leadership Development class, which trains future leaders. Read more here.

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. 

2020 Congregational Meeting

2019 Congregational Meeting

All Souls Church Unitarian bylaws

Policy Governance Framework

Assessment of All Souls’ Church Governance by Rev. David Pyle

Review of All Souls’ bylaws by Rev. David Pyle