Dear Friends and Faithful,
Most of you know that last Sunday we had a congregational meeting to vote on a revision of our congregational bylaws. Huge thanks to the people who have spent over a year pouring over every comma, every committee, and all the necessary legalities, asking what was needed for governance, and what might be better left to more flexible policy.
The final recommendation was published and publicized. Forums were held, feedback was sought and listened to. Amendments were invited, and one was received.
That amendment to the final draft was to remove the word financial from the language about how someone becomes a member, and how someone remains a member. The draft read, “…sign the membership book and make an identifiable financial contribution.” The amendment was to remove the word financial, so it would read, “…sign the membership book and make an identifiable contribution.”
That question took up the vast majority of the congregational meeting. Many beloved members expressed support for removing that word, while other beloved members felt the inclusion of that word was important. The vote was 23 in favor of removing the word, 55 opposed, meaning that the word financial remains in the new bylaws, which passed overwhelmingly after the amendment was voted on.
I am aware, and we as a community should be aware, that many people felt hurt by the failure of the amendment. I couldn’t speak to all the feelings, but I believe some felt strongly that including the word financial contravenes our own values and makes us less inclusive as a community. I believe others came away with the impression that the church will insist on chasing people down for money if they wish to become members.
One of the things I feel did not come across in the meeting is the importance of relationships within the community, and how precious those are. One key aspect of relationship is the trust we have in each other, especially in the leadership, to manage the affairs of the church with compassion, with attention to those relationships, and in alignment with our values.
I believe I speak for all the leadership at 1st Unitarian that centering compassion, attending to our relationships, and acting in alignment with our values is simply non-negotiable. We will do that no matter what language is in the bylaws.
Here’s what I know for sure. I’m not aware of a single instance where First Unitarian Denver has refused anyone membership for their inability or unwillingness to make a financial contribution, and I don’t believe we ever will. I have regularly stated from the pulpit that if any person or family is unable to make a financial contribution, this is still your church. You belong, and you are eagerly welcome to travel with us on this great journey of the mind, the heart, and the spirit.
Let us be gentle with one another,
Mike