Board of Trustees Resolution: Reception of New Members
Adopted 5 Jan 2004
Whereas: Article II, Section 1, of the UNMC by-laws states that "Any person who has been confirmed in Christian fellowship by the Pastor of this Church or by some minister authorized to act in such matters for it, or who has been received into fellowship by letter from some other Church, shall be enrolled in the membership of this Church on signing the Bylaws in the membership book provided for that purpose."
Whereas: The UNMC by-laws also provide for the election of deacons, who fulfill the role of lay spiritual officers.
Be it resolved, therefore, that the Board of Trustees of the Universalist National Memorial Church takes the following actions:
1. Interprets the phrase "confirmed in Christian fellowship" in Article II, Section 1, of the by-laws not to require any particular confirmation ceremony. The declaration of a prospective member's intention to join the church and their acceptance of the "right hand of fellowship" offered on behalf of the church are deemed sufficient.
2. In the absence of a settled or interim minister, any UNMC deacon may act as a "minister authorized to act in such matters," per the by-laws, presiding at new member welcome ceremony and offering the "right hand of fellowship" on behalf of the church to prospective members during such a ceremony.
3. Directs the Registrar to provide to each new member a suitable membership certificate, signed by the Registrar and the settled or interim minister or, if the church does not have such a minister, the Head Deacon; a copy of the by-laws; a current membership directory; a pledge brochure and/or card; and such other materials as a new member might find helpful.