The 5th Principle of Unitarian Universalism affirms “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” UU congregations are democratic in their polity — the congregation as a whole, or congregational leaders democratically elected by the membership, set priorities and choose the ministers and staff.

Our church’s governance is defined by the Bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach

Our Minister and our Board of Trustees have overlapping roles in the governance of UUCLB.

Our Minister is called by the congregation to be our spiritual leader, and to direct all activities in pulpit. As described by the UUA, ministers “help us explore life’s questions, challenge us to live out our values, and comfort us in times of suffering. Ministers teach, preach, listen and learn by leading congregations, serving as chaplains, and working for justice in the community.” At UUCLB, our Minister is also an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board and all committees, and serves as head of staff.

Our five-member Board of Trustees, guided by the Mission of the Church, has fiduciary responsibility for the church, including proposing and overseeing the budget, setting broad policies for the church, and empowering committees to fulfill the Mission of the Church.

Trustees are elected for three-year terms by the members at the Annual Meeting of Congregation. The President and Vice President of the Board of Trustees are appointed by the Board from among the Trustees and are Officers of the Church. There are two other officers, the Clerk, directly elected by the members of the congregation, and the Treasurer, appointed by the Board.

Monthly meetings of the Board of Trustees on the third Tuesday are open to church members and friends. Meetings are currently virtual (see calendar for Zoom link), but could return to in-person as COVID concerns change.

Contact the Board of Trustees, Or Get on the List to receive copies of the Board’s minutes and other reports by email

Much of the work of the church is carried out by various standing committees and task forces or teams made up of Church Members and Friends. For instance, the Worship Committee works with the Minister to plan and deliver our Sunday services, the Religious Education Committee works with the Director of Lifespan Religious Education to plan and run Sunday programs for children and youth, the Facilities Committee maintains our buildings and grounds, and so on. Task forces are brought together as needed to complete particular projects, such as creating our play area and cooling our worship hall.

Individuals and small groups are welcome to propose and run events, classes, and projects, and additional volunteers are always welcomed and needed in all areas.

The bimonthly Town Hall Council is a great way to learn what’s happening with different groups and committees of the church, and to raise and discuss issues important to the community. You are welcome to attend these meetings and participate, which are typically on the last Thursday of odd-numbered months. Check the calendar for the next Town Hall.

Everyone working together makes our church a vibrant, dynamic, beloved community and institution that reflects and expresses our shared principles. All members and friends are encouraged to participate in the many formal and informal groups that fulfill the church’s mission.

OUR COVENANT OF RIGHT RELATIONS

We covenant to build a religious community guided by respect and sustained by our principles. We want to listen appreciatively, speak with care, express gratitude, honor our differences and assume good intentions. We endeavor to communicate directly, honestly and compassionately, particularly when we are in conflict. When we hurt one another, we will try to forgive, make amends and reconnect in a spirit of right relationship. In celebration of the common purpose that unites us, we will do our best to abide by this covenant.

– Adopted by UUCLB at Congregational Meeting, November 1, 2009