• We promise to honor and respect each other’s beliefs, experiences, and identities.
• We promise to speak with honesty, share openly, and communicate clearly and compassionately.
• We promise to care for ourselves, each other, and the community we are creating together.
• We promise to practice radical inclusion and friendship to all..
• We promise to offer support when we can, and to ask for help when we need it.
• We promise to be open to growth, including feedback that helps us change and thrive.
• We promise to lead with love in our decisions,  service, and presence.

• Be kind. Be honest. Be respectful.
• Be open-minded and inclusive.
• Be mindful of your body, mind, and spirit and practice radical self-care
• Be helpful, loving, and caring to yourself and others.
• Be a good listener and communicator. 
• Act with integrity and humility.
• Follow through on commitments.
• Make space for joy, creativity, and vulnerability.

• We understand that growth and healing are not linear. We commit to holding each other accountable with grace. We will address concerns directly, with dignity and respect—not through gossip or public shaming.
• When conflict arises, we will speak in person when possible, and seek to listen first.
• If direct communication is not possible or has failed, we may ask for the support of an accountability team.
• We promise to speak up when someone is being hurt, and to take responsibility for our impact.
• We will recite and revisit this covenant regularly, remembering that it is a living agreement grounded in love.

• Together, we promise to keep growing—as individuals and as a community—rooted in care, guided by our UU values, and open to the sacred in ourselves and each other.

 ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1: Name
The name of this religious nonprofit organization shall be Mountain Unitarian Universalists (hereafter “MUU” or “the Church”).

Section 2: Purpose
MUU is organized exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its mission is to:
   • Foster a welcoming and inclusive spiritual community rooted in Unitarian Universalist principles.
   • Support personal and collective growth through worship, education, and service.
   • Promote social justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.

In the case of dissolution of the society, all of its property, real and personal, after paying all just claims upon it, shall be conveyed to and vested in the Unitarian Universalist Association or its legal successor, and the Board of Trustees of the society shall perform all actions necessary to effect such conveyance.

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ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Eligibility
Membership is open to any individual who:
   1. Is at least 16 years of age
   2. Affirms the Unitarian Universalist principles and the mission of MUU
   3. Signs the Membership Book
   4. Makes an annual contribution of record by means of participation, in-kind, or financial contribution
   5. Actively participates in congregational life

Section 2: Nondiscrimination
MUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or religious background.

Section 3: Membership Categories
   • Voting Member – Meets all eligibility requirements.
   • Friend of the Church – Participates in activities but has not signed the Membership Book or made a contribution of record.
   • Inactive Member – A member who has not participated for one year, but may return to full status with renewed participation.

Section 4: Rights and Responsibilities
Voting Members may:
   • Vote at congregational meetings
   • Serve on the Board or committees
   • Participate fully in church life

Members are expected to contribute according to their ability through time, skills, or finances.

Section 5: Resignation and Removal
A member may resign by notifying the Board in writing. The Board may remove a member for conduct that significantly harms the congregation, by a two-thirds vote.

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ARTICLE III: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1: Structure and Composition
The Board of Directors shall consist of at least five (5) members:
   • President
   • Secretary
   • Treasurer
   • At least two At-Large Members
   • Optional: Vice President

The minister shall serve as a non-voting ex officio member.

Section 2: Responsibilities
The Board shall:
   • Uphold MUU’s mission and ensure legal and financial integrity
   • Oversee policies, operations, and long-term planning
   • Present an annual budget and supervise expenditures
   • Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations

Section 3: Terms and Elections
   • Board members serve two-year terms
   • Members may serve no more than three consecutive terms without a one-year break
   • Terms are staggered to ensure continuity

Section 4: Meetings and Quorum
   • The Board meets at least monthly
   • A quorum is a majority of Board members
   • Meetings are announced in multiple formats once scheduled for the year

Section 5: Resignation, Removal, and Vacancies
   • Any Board member may resign by written notice
   • A Board member may be removed by a two-thirds vote for misconduct or failure to fulfill duties such as attending meetings regularly
   • Vacancies are filled by Board appointment until the next congregational election

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ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS AND DUTIES

President
   • Presides at Board and congregational meetings
   • Serves as official spokesperson

Secretary
   • Maintains meeting minutes and official records
   • Oversees meeting notices and correspondence

Treasurer
   • Oversees finances and prepares reports
   • Ensures compliance with fiscal regulations

Vice President (if elected)
   • Supports the President and assumes duties when needed

At-Large Members
   • Represent congregational interests
   • Support Board initiatives

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ARTICLE V: DECISION-MAKING
   • Decisions require a majority of those present unless otherwise specified
   • A two-thirds vote is required for major decisions such as hiring a minister or amending bylaws
   • Proxy voting is not permitted

Annual Congregational Meeting
An annual congregational meeting shall be held between May 1 and May 15 each year.
   • Notice must be given at least two weeks in advance
   • A quorum shall consist of 25% of Voting Members
   • Decisions are made by a majority of those present and voting, provided quorum is met

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ARTICLE VI: FINANCES

Section 1: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall run from July 1 to June 30.

Section 2: Budget and Oversight
   • The Board shall propose an annual budget for congregational approval
   • The Treasurer shall provide at least quarterly financial reports
   • An annual financial review shall be conducted
   • Board approval is required for any expenditure exceeding $250

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ARTICLE VII: MINISTERS

Section 1: Role and Responsibilities
Ministers provide worship leadership, pastoral care, and represent MUU in the wider community. The Senior Minister serves as a non-voting, ex officio member of the Board.

Section 2: Ministerial Recognition
MUU may recognize as a minister any individual who is:
   • Enrolled in a Master of Divinity (MDiv) program and under mentorship by a UU minister in good standing, or
   • Fully ordained and in good standing with the UUA.

Section 3: Hiring a Senior Minister
The Board may appoint or hire a Senior Minister. The hiring process shall include:
   • A needs and budget assessment
   • A multi-stage interview process, including a public service and congregational Q&A
   • Approval by a two-thirds (⅔) majority of both the Board and the voting congregation

Section 4: Hiring Additional Ministers
The Senior Minister may appoint or recommend the hiring of additional ministers. These individuals should demonstrate relevant experience or education. Ministers serving specific groups should be interviewed by members of those groups when possible.

Section 5: Termination of Ministers
The Board may recommend the termination of any minister for:
   • Inability to meet the congregation’s spiritual needs
   • Incompatibility with MUU’s evolving needs or values
   • Misconduct or harm to the congregation
   • Loss of standing with the UUA

Termination requires:
   • A review process and opportunity for resolution
   • A two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Board and, where appropriate, the voting congregation
   • Immediate suspension and investigation in cases involving credible allegations of serious misconduct

Section 6: Resignation
Ministers should provide advance notice of resignation whenever possible:
   • 1 month for Senior Ministers
   • 2 weeks for Support Ministers
Ministers are encouraged to assist in the transition process.

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ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended at any annual or special meeting of the corporation by a vote of three-fourths (¾) of the voting members present. Notice of the meeting, stating the purpose including the proposed amendment, shall be given in accordance with these bylaws.