Healthy Congregation

Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church strives to be an inclusive community, affirming our differences in beliefs, opinions, and life experiences. This calls upon us to interact together with love and support as described in our Covenant of Right Relations. At the same time, concern for the safety and wellbeing of our congregation as a whole must be given priority over the privileges and inclusion of the individual.

To the degree that relationship conflict or disruptive behavior compromises the health of our congregation, our actions as people of faith must reflect this emphasis on security. These policies provide direction for our congregation to maintain a supportive, happy, and healthy community in which we may all be our better selves.

Northlake has adopted the following policies towards maintaining a healthy congregation:

Northlake Covenant of Right Relations

A covenant developed in 2018 through a series of congregational workshops, with our vision of what it means to be in right relations, and which we commit to as a community.

As individual people working together to form an inclusive, joyful, and sacred community, we commit to this covenant:

  • We will offer acceptance and support to all, giving and receiving with grace and gratitude.
  • We will listen with compassion and speak with honesty and respect.
  • We will acknowledge our feelings and take responsibility for the impact of our actions.
  • We will welcome the open-hearted exchange of perspectives while respecting personal boundaries.
  • We will address conflicts directly, give the benefit of the doubt, and forgive ourselves and each other.

By honoring these commitments, we foster an empowered Northlake community, promoting love, equity and justice in the world.

Pathway to Conflict Resolution

The Pathway to Conflict Resolution is a model for resolving an interpersonal conflict between members, or between member and staff.

Step 1—self-reflection and empathy to gain deeper understanding of the conflict.
Step 2—address the conflict by speaking directly with the other party.
Step 3—seek the support of the Board to resolve the conflict.

Read the detailed steps in our Pathway to Conflict Resolution.

Healthy Congregation Team

The Healthy Congregation Team is appointed by the Board and is available to support members on Steps 1 – 3 of the Pathway. Current members: Laurence F, Minnette L., and Beth K.

Read the Charter for Healthy Congregation Team.

Procedure for Board Conflict Resolution

Procedure for Board Conflict Resolution is a policy for situations where the Board of Trustees is called upon to resolve a conflict which could not be resolved by Step 1 or 2 of the Pathway.

Read the Procedure for Board Conflict Resolution.

Policy on Disruptive Behavior

The Policy on Disruptive Behavior is to be used when behavior creates perceived threats to safety, damages property, disrupts church activities, or could diminish the appeal of the church.

Read the Policy on Disruptive Behavior.