EMERSON UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
COVENANT OF RIGHT RELATIONS
Adopted by the Congregation:  June 2018

Because we believe the ministries of Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church will flourish more abundantly within a beloved community, it is our desire to strengthen our relationships with one another.  If we make courageous promises about how we want to function together and we work to fulfill those promises, we will build a strong foundation that embodies the principles of Unitarian Universalism in our community and the world. Therefore, we covenant to:

• Use our individual values and gifts for the benefit of the entire congregation by participating in the life of the church and honoring the commitments we make to individuals and the congregation as a whole;
• Recognize our shared leadership and express gratitude for the efforts of others;
• Treat others with kindness, empathy, and respect;
• Communicate directly with one another in an honest, thoughtful, and respectful manner, showing compassion for ourselves and others even when in conflict;
• Speak and listen with patience, flexibility, and a willingness to negotiate in the spirit of meeting as many needs as possible;
• Be mindful of the needs of the group as a whole and strive for consensus, encouraging minority opinions, while recognizing and respecting that individual expectations may not always be met;
• Promote an open and supportive environment for all members and visitors, respecting the feelings and needs of everyone, and being conscious of marginalized communities and identities;
• Make every effort to seek reconnection, forgiveness, and repair when we have hurt or are hurt;
• Take responsibility for our own mental, emotional, and spiritual balance, asking for support when needed.

Questions or comments? Contact The Right Relations Task Force: Louise Rovner, Pat Lyon, Jacqui Tolin, and Heather Medvitz,  The Committee on Shared Ministry: Phil Davis,  Linda Fitzgerald, Bettina Salas, and David Ginsberg,  or the Minister: The Rev. Matthew McHale.