As many of you know, Brian S. is currently preparing to become an affiliated Community Minister in the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). While the UUA has recognized Brian as a “minister in preliminary fellowship” our congregation has the responsibility to decide whether or not First Parish should ordain Brian as a way of formally recognizing his community ministry and affiliation with First Parish.
UU congregational polity grants each congregation the authority to govern itself. That authority includes affiliating with a Community Minister. Prior to formally establishing affiliation with First Parish, the Community Minister (Brian), the Settled Minister (Rev. Ellen), the standing committee and the congregation will need to agree to a Covenant of Affiliation. Brian has established a committee to support him in this process.
According to the UUA, “Community Ministers primarily serve beyond the context of a UU congregation.” Brian is requesting ordination from First Parish. The Standing Committee has approved Brian’s request to place his request for ordination for the congregation to vote on during June’s congregational meeting. The process will conclude in the fall with a celebration of Brian’s ordination and formal affiliation with First Parish as a Community Minister.
Brian is currently serving as a Chaplain in a state psychiatric facility supporting patients who seek to use spiritual and religious practices as part of their path to recovery. This is an exciting opportunity to support Brian in helping him meet his goals and expand our impact in the community. It is also a learning process for all of us, grounded in hundreds of years of tradition while complying with a program established by the UUA to ensure ministers meet the high-standards expected of a UU minister. We ask for your patience as we navigate this exciting opportunity and we ask that you provide Brian with your full support.
