Removal of Membership
Congregations who have no provision in the bylaws for removing members often get bogged down with lists of names of people who are no longer interested, no longer in the vicinity, no longer known by anyone in the congregation, or no longer alive. It is helpful to include a provision in the bylaws that spells out how to remove a member and specifies any differences in the process that depend on whether the member has moved, is deceased, or simply cannot be reached.In addition, congregations need to determine whether they wish to incorporate a provision in the bylaws for removal of membership status from individuals against their will. This subject is particularly touchy, as UU (Unitarian Universalist) congregations have long prided themselves on openness and inclusion of diverse populations. However, from time to time it might be necessary to remove individuals from congregational life and membership, especially if they prove to be a risk to the health and well-being of others in the congregation or of the congregation as a whole. The congregation must take care in drafting such a provision to ensure that a good process is in place for removing someone's membership for cause.
Please refer to Gilbert R. Rendle's book Behavioral Covenants in Congregations: A Handbook for Honoring Differences (see "Appendix A - Resources").
Sample Provisions
Example 1: A member who has not participated, nor contributed services or funds, during the current and preceding church years may be placed on the inactive membership roll pending a return to participation, written resignation or death.
Example 2: Members may terminate their membership through written request or through the recommendation of the Secretary of the Board and by the vote of the Board when the member has died, moved away, or cannot be located.
Example 3: A member's name shall be removed from the Membership Roll in case of: (1) the member's death; (2) written request by the member to the Clerk; (3) a period of inactivity over one year, pending review by the Board; or (4) removal by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board for actions that threaten the well-being of the Congregation.
Additional examples of membership removal provisions >
For more information contact growthresources @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
