Constitution and Bylaws Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church
Adopted May 5, 2025
NORTHWEST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
The Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church is an Ecclesiastical Corporation under the laws of the State of Michigan. Articles of the Association were filed with the Michigan Corporation and Securities Commission on April 26, 1954, and were revised on June 22, 1972.
Articles I through III shall be the Constitution, and the remaining Articles shall be the Bylaws of the Association.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this Association shall be the NORTHWEST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, located in the City of Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan.
ARTICLE II – AFFILIATION
The Association shall be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Mid-America Unitarian Universalist Region.
ARTICLE III – PURPOSE
The purpose of this Association shall be to create a spiritual home for ourselves and our children; to foster individual freedom of belief and the use of reason in religion; to support the religious liberals’ emphasis on deed without reference to creed; to recognize the supreme worth of every person; and to maintain a church to which we can welcome all of like spirit.
BYLAWS
The following Bylaws provide the essential framework for the operation of the Association. The Bylaws must be read together with the Rules of Procedures to achieve a complete understanding of the operation of the Association.
ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A. MEMBERSHIP
Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church embraces all people, including those of every religious background, ethnicity, color, gender, physical or mental challenge, affectional or sexual orientation, age, class or national origin. Any person who is in sympathy with the purpose and program of this Association may become a member by signing the Membership Book. The Book is stored in the office, and any member of the Board may witness the signing process. To remain an active member, a person must participate in the affairs of the Association, contribute services, and/or contribute funds.
SECTION B. PRIVILEGES
Any active member, 18 years or older, shall qualify to hold an elected office. Anyone may vote at an Association meeting by being on the active membership rolls two (2) weeks prior to the meeting, as certified by the Membership Committee.
SECTION C. STATUS
A member who has not participated nor contributed services or funds during the current or preceding church years may be removed from the active membership roll as reported to the UUA, pending a return to participation. Annually, the Stewardship Committee shall provide its recommendations to the Membership Committee whether anyone should be removed from the active membership roll, so the Board can make a final determination.
ARTICLE V – MEETINGS
Four types of meetings may be held at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church, as outlined in Sections A through D. The Rules of Procedures describe the purpose, scheduling, rules of procedure, and other aspects of these meetings.
SECTION A. WORSHIP SERVICES
Public meetings for the purpose of worship shall be held according to schedules created during worship planning sessions under the direction of the Senior Minister.
SECTION B. REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Three (3) regular meetings of the Association shall be held during each fiscal year, the first to receive reports, the second to adopt the annual budget and elect officers, and the third to transact other business that is brought before the Board.
SECTION C. SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Special meetings of the Association shall be called by the Moderator at the direction of the Board of Governors or upon a written request of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the Association members. The purposes for which such a meeting may be called are outlined in the Rules of Procedure.
SECTION D. EMERGENCY MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
The Board of Governors may call an Emergency Meeting of the Association, if necessary, by a unanimous vote of the members of the Board.
ARTICLE VI – GOVERNING BOARD
The affairs of the Association shall be administered by the Board of Governors. The operations of the Board are outlined in the Rules of Procedure.
SECTION A. MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD
ARTICLE VII – BOARD MEMBERS
The Board consists of a Moderator, Clerk, and three Members At-Large who are elected by the Association.
SECTION A. MODERATOR
The Moderator shall be the presiding officer of the Association, the Board of Governors, and the and as such shall be the managing coordinator of all activities not otherwise assigned.
The Clerk is responsible for maintaining accurate Association records.
The At-Large Board members shall participate in Board meetings and be involved in conducting the business of the Association.
ARTICLE VIII – ELECTIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE
Specifications for election and terms of office are set forth in the Rules of Procedure.
ARTICLE IX – TREASURER
The Board shall appoint a Treasurer who shall be responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the Association and keeping the Board informed of the financial situation.
ARTICLE X – FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Association shall begin on July 1st of each year and end on June 30th of the following year.
ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS
SECTION A. CONSTITUTION
The Constitution (Articles I - III Name, Affiliation, Purpose) may be amended by a sixty-six percent (66%) vote of the members of the Association present at a Regular or Special Meeting. The notice of such a meeting shall state the proposed changes to be considered.
SECTION B. BYLAWS
The Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the members present at any meeting of the Association. The notice of such meeting shall state the proposed changes to be considered.
ARTICLE XII - CALLING OR HIRING MINISTER(S)
Using processes and methods recommended by the UUA, the Board of Governors shall initiate the calling or hiring of a minister. “Called” ministers require a vote by the members of the Association. Other types of ministers, such as “Interim” or “Contract” are hired through action of the Board.
The senior minister has freedom of the pulpit, is head of staff, and assumes overall responsibility and authority for programming. The Rules of Procedure provide additional details on the ministerial role.
ARTICLE XIII – DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution of the Association, all outstanding debts shall be paid and the remaining assets, both real and personal, and including all property heretofore and hereinafter donated to said Association, shall become the property of the Unitarian Universalist Association, 24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, Massachusetts, or its successor, subject to all applicable laws. Dissolution requires a sixty-six percent (66%) vote of the members of the Association present at a Regular or Special Meeting. The notice of such a meeting shall state the proposal to dissolve the Association.
ADOPTION
The Bylaws set forth herein were adopted by the Association of Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church on April 26, 1954. The Constitution remained unchanged on that date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
These Bylaws shall go into effect at 1:00 a.m. on May 5, 2025.
NORTHWEST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
The Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church is an Ecclesiastical Corporation under the laws of the State of Michigan. Articles of the Association were filed with the Michigan Corporation and Securities Commission on April 26, 1954, and were revised on June 22, 1972.
Articles I through III shall be the Constitution, and the remaining Articles shall be the Bylaws of the Association.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this Association shall be the NORTHWEST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, located in the City of Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan.
ARTICLE II – AFFILIATION
The Association shall be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Mid-America Unitarian Universalist Region.
ARTICLE III – PURPOSE
The purpose of this Association shall be to create a spiritual home for ourselves and our children; to foster individual freedom of belief and the use of reason in religion; to support the religious liberals’ emphasis on deed without reference to creed; to recognize the supreme worth of every person; and to maintain a church to which we can welcome all of like spirit.
BYLAWS
The following Bylaws provide the essential framework for the operation of the Association. The Bylaws must be read together with the Rules of Procedures to achieve a complete understanding of the operation of the Association.
ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A. MEMBERSHIP
Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church embraces all people, including those of every religious background, ethnicity, color, gender, physical or mental challenge, affectional or sexual orientation, age, class or national origin. Any person who is in sympathy with the purpose and program of this Association may become a member by signing the Membership Book. The Book is stored in the office, and any member of the Board may witness the signing process. To remain an active member, a person must participate in the affairs of the Association, contribute services, and/or contribute funds.
SECTION B. PRIVILEGES
Any active member, 18 years or older, shall qualify to hold an elected office. Anyone may vote at an Association meeting by being on the active membership rolls two (2) weeks prior to the meeting, as certified by the Membership Committee.
SECTION C. STATUS
A member who has not participated nor contributed services or funds during the current or preceding church years may be removed from the active membership roll as reported to the UUA, pending a return to participation. Annually, the Stewardship Committee shall provide its recommendations to the Membership Committee whether anyone should be removed from the active membership roll, so the Board can make a final determination.
ARTICLE V – MEETINGS
Four types of meetings may be held at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church, as outlined in Sections A through D. The Rules of Procedures describe the purpose, scheduling, rules of procedure, and other aspects of these meetings.
SECTION A. WORSHIP SERVICES
Public meetings for the purpose of worship shall be held according to schedules created during worship planning sessions under the direction of the Senior Minister.
SECTION B. REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Three (3) regular meetings of the Association shall be held during each fiscal year, the first to receive reports, the second to adopt the annual budget and elect officers, and the third to transact other business that is brought before the Board.
SECTION C. SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Special meetings of the Association shall be called by the Moderator at the direction of the Board of Governors or upon a written request of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the Association members. The purposes for which such a meeting may be called are outlined in the Rules of Procedure.
SECTION D. EMERGENCY MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
The Board of Governors may call an Emergency Meeting of the Association, if necessary, by a unanimous vote of the members of the Board.
ARTICLE VI – GOVERNING BOARD
The affairs of the Association shall be administered by the Board of Governors. The operations of the Board are outlined in the Rules of Procedure.
SECTION A. MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD
- The voting members of the Board of Governors (the ‘Board’) shall consist of the Moderator, the Clerk, and three (3) elected Governors who shall serve at large.
- One member of the Committee on Ministry and Right Relationships shall be nominated to an advisory position on the Board by the Committee for a term of one year. This appointment will be subject to affirmation by a majority vote of the Board at a regular Board meeting. The COMRR member shall serve as a non-voting advisor to the Board without an obligation to attend Board meetings.
- The Leadership Development Committee shall nominate members for the above positions, except for the advisor from the Committee on Ministry and Right Relationships, pursuant to Article III(B) of the Rules of Procedure.
- The Minister shall serve on the Board of Governors but may not vote.
- The immediate past Moderator shall serve as an advisor to the Board without a vote and without an obligation to attend Board meetings.
- General responsibilities of the Board include:
- Entering into contracts on behalf of the congregation,
- Oversight of the senior minister,
- Keeping the congregation strong by monitoring functions of the church with the intent of identifying items that need attention,
- Providing resources to accomplish the mission,
- Setting policies to ensure efficient and legal operation,
- Oversight of the financial health of the organization, including appointing an auditor to report on the financial condition of the Association, as deemed necessary, and
- Oversight of relations with the larger UU movement, neighboring UU congregations, and other community partners.
- Committees of the Board and their functions are described in the Rules of Procedure. The Board may create committees or task forces as needed.
ARTICLE VII – BOARD MEMBERS
The Board consists of a Moderator, Clerk, and three Members At-Large who are elected by the Association.
SECTION A. MODERATOR
The Moderator shall be the presiding officer of the Association, the Board of Governors, and the and as such shall be the managing coordinator of all activities not otherwise assigned.
- The Moderator shall oversee the affairs of the Association.
- The Moderator shall preside over meetings of the Association and Board, following Democratic Rules of Order (9th Edition) where applicable and not inconsistent herewith.
- The Moderator shall be an ex-officio member, without a vote, of all committees. The Moderator may designate other governors to assume this role for any or all committees.
The Clerk is responsible for maintaining accurate Association records.
- The Clerk shall attend and be responsible for keeping accurate records of all meetings of the Association and Board. The Clerk may take minutes at these meetings or delegate the responsibility for this task.
- The Clerk shall notify members of the Association of all meetings in accordance with Article I of the Rules of Procedure.
The At-Large Board members shall participate in Board meetings and be involved in conducting the business of the Association.
ARTICLE VIII – ELECTIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE
Specifications for election and terms of office are set forth in the Rules of Procedure.
ARTICLE IX – TREASURER
The Board shall appoint a Treasurer who shall be responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the Association and keeping the Board informed of the financial situation.
ARTICLE X – FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Association shall begin on July 1st of each year and end on June 30th of the following year.
ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS
SECTION A. CONSTITUTION
The Constitution (Articles I - III Name, Affiliation, Purpose) may be amended by a sixty-six percent (66%) vote of the members of the Association present at a Regular or Special Meeting. The notice of such a meeting shall state the proposed changes to be considered.
SECTION B. BYLAWS
The Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the members present at any meeting of the Association. The notice of such meeting shall state the proposed changes to be considered.
ARTICLE XII - CALLING OR HIRING MINISTER(S)
Using processes and methods recommended by the UUA, the Board of Governors shall initiate the calling or hiring of a minister. “Called” ministers require a vote by the members of the Association. Other types of ministers, such as “Interim” or “Contract” are hired through action of the Board.
The senior minister has freedom of the pulpit, is head of staff, and assumes overall responsibility and authority for programming. The Rules of Procedure provide additional details on the ministerial role.
ARTICLE XIII – DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution of the Association, all outstanding debts shall be paid and the remaining assets, both real and personal, and including all property heretofore and hereinafter donated to said Association, shall become the property of the Unitarian Universalist Association, 24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, Massachusetts, or its successor, subject to all applicable laws. Dissolution requires a sixty-six percent (66%) vote of the members of the Association present at a Regular or Special Meeting. The notice of such a meeting shall state the proposal to dissolve the Association.
ADOPTION
The Bylaws set forth herein were adopted by the Association of Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church on April 26, 1954. The Constitution remained unchanged on that date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
These Bylaws shall go into effect at 1:00 a.m. on May 5, 2025.