The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is announcing the creation of the Transitions Review Task Force (TRTF) that is charged with designing a constituent-driven process of both listening and assessment of the UUA’s ministerial transitions system, which will eventually lead to a reimagining of the process.

The UUA helps to connect ministers searching for a position with congregations which want to find a minister. As part of the ongoing effort to implement the recommendations from the Widening the Circle of Concern report, the association is seeking to address and dismantle the barriers preventing full inclusion in the religious leadership of Unitarian Universalism. The task force’s work is a key step in the UUA’s commitment to ensuring that the association’s systems are transparent and equitable.

The task force’s co-chairs are Rev. Connie Simon, Interim Minister of River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, Maryland and Rev. Roger Bertschausen, Developmental Lead Minister at Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Oak Park, Illinois. Other members of the TRTF include Rev. Rebekah Savage (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville, MD); Rev. Christe Lunsford (Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek, Delaware); Rev. Cheryl M. Walker (Retired); Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Stevens (Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse, Idaho); Rev. Latifah Griffin (First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches, Florida); Rev. Krista Taves (Eliot Unitarian Universalist Chapel, Missouri); Rev. Katie Romano Griffin (All Souls Indianapolis, Indiana); and Rev. Shari Quan (First Unitarian Church of Rochester, New York).

“As a living tradition, it is important for Unitarian Universalism to recognize that our congregations and communities are ever-evolving. As good stewards of this necessary tradition in American religious life, it is imperative for the process that brings ministers together with congregations to meet the standards of our shared values as UUs. The TRTF review and recommendations will be focused on ensuring the transition process enhances trust and is inclusive, transparent, and equitable,” said Rev. Simon and Rev. Bertschausen.

The TRTF will collect stories from those who have engaged with the UUA’s transitions practices and policies, including those who have been underserved by the process. Additionally, it will assess current challenges and needs for ministerial transitions, and, in collaboration with UUA staff, make recommendations about shifts that are necessary in practice for the future. The task force will deliver its final report to UUA staff and to the UUA’s General Assembly in 2027.

Those interested in learning more about the TRTF are encouraged to contact TransitionsReview@mail.uua.org.