HEALTHY CONGREGATION POLICIES

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:

 

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.

 

Pathway to Conflict Resolution: 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.

 

Charter for Healthy Congregation Team (HCT): The HCT 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.

 

Procedure for Board Conflict Resolution: 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.

 

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