Regional, National, and Global Governance

Each Unitarian Universalist congregation is independent and democratic—congregational leaders set their own priorities and choose their own ministers and staff. Congregations are supported by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), the central organization for the Unitarian Universalist religious movement in the United States, and by regional and district offices. Congregations vote for the leaders of the UUA, who oversee the central staff and resources. The association’s headquarters are in Boston. It serves churches mostly in the United States. Although Unitarian churches exist throughout the world there is no global organizational structure.

Starr King Congregational Governance

Our Bylaws are our primary governing document, supported by other Church Documents. The Bylaws were adopted by and are updated by votes of the congregation. As stated in the Bylaws, “The minister and the members share responsibility for the overall program of the church.” The minister serves as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees, and has complete freedom of the pulpit. 

Our Board of Trustees and governance committees reflect our commitment to be “a church that operates its business affairs legally, ethically, compassionately, prudently, and transparently, and develops budgets and fundraising initiatives that support the congregation’s needs, goals, and values.”

Congregation members interested in serving on any of these committees other than the Board of Trustees should contact the Chair of that Committee. Congregation members interested in serving on the Board of Trustees should contact the Chair of the Nominating Committee.

Click on the name of any group to learn more.

To contact group leaders, members of the church can use information from the Church Directory.  How to Use Church Directory