One way we live our values, as Unitarian Universalists, is to prioritize inclusive language—words that reflect, include, and affirm the variety of human experience. In particular, we try to use language that doesn’t make assumptions about gender (for example, you might refer to a Worship Chairperson, or Chair—not a “Chairman”).

Ministry and academia are both areas where gendered Latin words have long persisted because of strong traditions, but those disciplines are reflecting change. (For example, many colleges now refer to their graduates as alums, instead of using the gendered alumni or alumnae.)

Alternatives have been slower to appear for some terms, like the Latin word emeritus/emerita, which is used as an honorific for retired professors or ministers. The neologism emerit has emerged as a gender-neutral alternative for emeritus/emerita. A number of universities have officially adopted this terminology, including Emory University, Indiana University, and the University of Oregon.

As the UUA and WorshipWeb seek new ways to express our values, we encourage UU congregations who want to honor a former minister to consider offering the title of “Minister Emerit,” or to ask the minister themself whether they would prefer Emerit, Emerita, or Emeritus.