Join the UUMA

Membership in the UUMA is open to those in ministerial fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) and those in aspirant or candidate status with the UUA’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee. Acceptance of membership in the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association entails agreement by the member to abide by the UUMA’s Constitution & Bylaws and Guidelines for the Conduct of Ministry which can be found here.

You may also submit your application by mail. If you would like a PDF membership application please email our Membership Administrator.  Descriptions of the current membership categories follow.

The UUMA texts members during our large events (June Annual Meeting and Ministry Days and the Institute) to communicate events and deadlines. The texts are periodic and message frequency may vary. By joining the UUMA you opt in to these texts. Member can opt out at any time. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Message and data rates may apply. View our Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions.

Click here for an explanation of the dues structure including discounts and waivers

Become a Member

Membership Categories:

Regular

All Unitarian Universalist ministers granted fellowship by the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the UUA; and such other ministers serving Unitarian Universalist institutions, who meet our generally accepted academic standards. Those regular members who have retired (as defined by the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee) and plan to seek employment in the next five years may qualify for a lower dues rate.

Life

UUMA members in good standing who retire from the active ministry as defined by the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee, have been a member for at least five years, and do not plan to pursue employment as a minister in the next five years may be granted life membership. Retired members must submit a request for life membership to the UUMA Office. Dues payments are optional for life members. In case of any question about life membership status, the decision of the Board shall be final.

Aspirant/Candidate

Those who have attained either Aspirant or Candidate status with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee shall be eligible for Aspirant/Candidate membership, and shall have all rights, privileges, and responsibilities of Regular membership. 

Associate

Associate membership is intended to provide a path to membership for ordained ministers, serving UU institutions, who are not in fellowship with the UUA. Acceptance as an associate member provides the opportunity for these ministers to be in covenant with their colleagues serving the UU faith tradition. Associate members have the same privileges and responsibilities of regular membership. No person in regular membership shall be involuntarily moved to associate status except as provided by the UUMA bylaws. Associate membership shall be restricted to ordained clergy whose primary fellowship is not with the UUA.

Applications for Associate Membership are considered on a case by case basis. Approval is in the authority of the UUMA Executive team. Upon receiving an application the team reviews the following criteria, taking into account the individual circumstances of the applicant:

  • Membership Application & Dues: This provides basic information about the applicant and explains the membership dues scale. Dues are payable upon acceptance of the application.
  • Personal Statement: This statement should briefly describe the applicant’s ministerial training, how they currently serve Unitarian Universalism and express how and why they intend to be in relationship with other UU ministerial colleagues.
  • Letters of Reference: Three letters of reference from current UUMA members, one of whom should be a leader in the chapter in which the applicant wishes to participate. Letters should explain the relationship between the member and applicant and express how the applicant participates in collegial life. International Applicants may substitute this chapter leader letter with a reference from the UUA International Office.
  • Certification of Ordination: Membership in the UUMA is tied to ordination. The ordination must be from a denomination or institution which affirms that the applicant has gone through a period of discernment and training related to their call, and may not be transactional in nature (i.e. purchased instantly on the internet).
  • Letter of Good Standing: The UUMA takes matters of ministerial misconduct seriously. Applicants who have a relationship with a denomination must provide a statement of good standing which addresses any past or pending complaints or grievances within your credentialing/ordaining denomination. Applicants who do not have such a relationship will be asked to complete a background check. 

For the annual renewal of an Associate membership: By renewing their membership, an associate member is asserting that their practice of ministry hasn’t changed since the time of first acceptance. If either the nature or location of the ministry has changed the member must reapply.