Governance
Unitarian Universalism and Congregational Polity
Polity is a general term for the form of church organization adopted by a religious tradition. Unitarian Universalists operate under a particular form of polity called congregational polity, defined as “the rights and responsibilities of each properly organized congregation to make its own decisions about its own affairs without recourse to any higher human authority.”
Put more simply, polity can be understood as the way we are, as Unitarian Universalists, and why we are that way. Or, in the words of Paul Harrison, an expert on religious studies, “Polity is faith put into practice.”
Peter Raible wrote these words in his introduction to a course of study of Unitarian Universalist polity: Polity is not theology, but belief issues affect church organization. Polity is not history, but how we govern our churches grows out of a historical context. Polity is not “how to do ministry,” but clerics cannot work effectively without understanding the strictures of governance under which they labor.
— Excerpted from the UUA Tapestry of Faith Lifespan Curriculum
Governance at UUCWC
Five-Year Strategic Plan Initiative
Policies and Procedures
UUCWC is in the process of updating its Policies and Procedures. As they become available, they will be posted on the Policies and Procedures page. Please contact any member of the Board of Trustees with questions, comments, or suggestions regarding any of these policies.
Reports and Other Documents