UUA/UUMA Model Ministerial Agreement

Important Updates to the UUA/UUMA Model Ministerial Agreement

The UUA/UUMA Model Ministerial Agreement is a jointly developed resource designed to support healthy relationships and shared ministry between ministers and congregations. This year’s revisions, developed collaboratively by Jan Gartner of the UUA and Janette Lallier and the Rev. Aija Simpson-Newbury of the UUMA, reflect feedback received from our members over the past year.

The October 2026 update provides greater clarity, updated guidance, and important changes to Section 6 (Dispute Resolution). We encourage ministers and congregations to use this new version for future agreements and to incorporate the revised dispute resolution language into existing agreements.

Jan Gartner, UUA Congregational Staffing Practices Director, and Rev. Dr. Rebekah Savage, Director of UUA Ministries and Faith Development, share more details about these changes and what ministers and congregational leaders need to know.

Read the full announcement and learn more about the updated Model Ministerial Agreement.