Part of Retiring from the UU Ministry
After a minister has retired from a congregation that they have served in a full, long, and mutually meaningful ministry, the congregation may wish to honor the shared ministry by designating them as minister emerit/us/a.
Such status can be bestowed only by congregations as directed in their bylaws (usually by a congregational vote).
Because conferring Emerit/a/us status is a lifetime honor and can grant governance privileges in the national Association, taking the time for a good process will give the decision the importance that it deserves.
Many congregations are anxious to honor a retiring minister immediately with Emerit/a/us status. But not all congregants may be ready to bestow this honor during the stages of fresh grief that can be elicited by the departure. Waiting a year or two gives the congregation a chance to honor the person twice, one with retirement celebration, then again with the emerit/a/us status.
UUA Governance Privileges
The UUA Bylaws (Art. IV, Sec. 4.8[b]) award General Assembly voting status to ministers emeriti/ae in Fellowship who have received the award at least six months before the GA by vote of the congregation in which they were previously settled. For this reason it is important that congregations notify Ministries and Faith Development, mfd@uua.org, when an emeritus title has been bestowed.
Bylaws, Policies, and Common Practices
Be sure to refer to your bylaws, which often speak to granting emerit/us/a status.
Also, read through this article, which gives helpful advice about the discernment process and suggestions about perks you might offer:
Minister Emeriti Policies
The title Minister Emeritus / Emerita is granted to honor a minister’s long and meritorious service to a particular congregation.