Mergers can be an excellent option for congregations who are near each other and have the mutual desire to combine their resources (staff, finances, volunteer energy, etc.) to create a shared ministry that is sustainable and resilient, but still honors the investment and intentions of the preceding generations.

Types of Mergers

Mergers tend to take two forms:

• One congregation adding its members and assets into an existing congregation.
• Two congregations may join to form a new joint congregation, with new bylaws, covenant, mission and vision statements.

In a merger, the congregation’s identity and assets are combined with another congregation. In practice, "new" congregations may operate under the original state charter, Tax ID, and 501c3 of one of the congregations to save on legal costs.

Any merger requires a vote of both merging congregations according to their bylaws. Mergers often require consolidating buildings, assets, and accounts, but can take many forms depending on the congregations involved.

Please note that bylaws of Unitarian Universalist congregations must include a dissolution clause as stated in the UUA bylaws.

Partners and Stakeholders

Regional Staff

Your regional Congregational Life staff is available to accompany you through the process, from initial discernment conversations, to strategies about how to build relationships, to consultations around governance options. Reach out early in your process.

Legal Counsel

Congregations are encouraged to consult a local attorney about what is required for corporate filings in their state or area, and to review new bylaws.

Since congregations are usually incorporated in their state or territory, state regulators who are responsible for corporations and charities have a role in reviewing the plan for mergers or dissolutions and ultimately must legally approve them. Regulators generally seek to ensure that assets are being used in ways that are consistent with the original donor intent, protecting those donations since they were made tax-free.

The UUA Board & Administration

As a member congregation, you'll want to make sure the UUA Board and administration is aware of your new congregational configuration so that you are still eligible to field delegate at General Assembly and be listed in the "find a congregation" database. See Congregational Membership in the UUA for a checklist.