What’s New with the Ministerial Agreement?
Following a comprehensive review, the October 2026 revision of the Model Ministerial Agreement has been approved by key Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (UUMA) leaders. This edition of the template contains:
- Updated terminology, references, and resources
- Clearer guidance for using and adapting the Agreement
- Clarification of employment and transition practices
- Better alignment with current UUA/UUMA practices and systems of support
For ministerial agreements in development now and going forward, please use the updated version of the UUA/UUMA Model Ministerial Agreement at the link above.
For congregations and ministers with existing agreements: We urge you to modify Section 6, Dispute Resolution, to match the 2026 language, including the Additional Information box. This modification can be made through a simple contract amendment if nothing else is changing.
What Has Changed in Section 6?
Possible forms of mediation are now outlined. Outside professional arbitration is noted in the information box as a last-resort remedy.
Why Were These Changes Made?
Mediation
Mediation can take place in a variety of ways. Clarifying the options should lead to better understandings among ministers and congregations who seek mediation to resolve disputes.
Arbitration
For many years, UUA Ministries and Faith Development (MFD) has made an arbitration process available as a resolution of last resort for contractual disputes between ministers and congregations. The process, while rarely used, was intended to be grounded in relationship, covenant, and MFD’s investment in congregational shared ministry. On the few occasions when the MFD-led arbitration process was utilized, it successfully provided a legal and binding resolution of contractual issues outside of the civil courts.
In September 2026, the MFD leadership concluded that arbitration of contractual disputes between ministers and congregations is best left to individuals and organizations with regular experience and professional expertise in this area. Therefore, rather than offering a UUA process and oversight, the UUA now recommends professional arbitration as a remedy for otherwise unresolvable conflicts.
Due to the First Amendment principle of separation of church and state, civil courts will often decline to hear disputes between a religious organization and their minister.
What’s Happening Next?
Over the coming year, representatives from the UUA and UUMA will be studying a few particular areas of the Agreement that have at times caused concern or confusion. We expect to republish the Agreement in the fall of 2027, with changes to those areas.
With Our Gratitude for Your Leadership...
At its best, ministry is grounded in covenant, trust, and a shared commitment to the joyful flourishing of our congregations and communities. These updates are offered in that spirit: to support healthy relationships, to provide greater clarity and better guidance when challenges arise, and to strengthen the partnerships that make our shared ministry possible.
May these resources and commitments serve ministers and congregations well as you continue the important, soulful work of the bringing Unitarian Universalist values to life.
Faithfully,
Jan Gartner
Rev. Dr. Rebekah Savage
