To be a Member or Friend

You will sometimes hear the phrase “member of the fellowship” being used. This means anyone who has taken out formal membership with us, as defined in our constitution. This article sets out what this means and how you can join, and also tells you about being a ‘Friend of Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians’.

Background

Like many churches and fellowships, Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians have a constitution known as the ‘Rules’, originally established in 1972, updated in 2019, and sometimes called the “little blue book”. These set out our purpose as an organisation, and our structure. This includes how people can become members.

How do you become a member?

Anyone aged over 18 can become a Member if they confirm to either the Secretary or Treasurer that they want to become one, including agreeing to make a regular financial contribution, and the Management Committee approves their membership. Since people usually become members after attending for a period of time, they are usually already contributing at the weekly collection during services, and acceptance is generally a formality. There is currently no minimum requirement for the contribution, as we do not want anyone’s personal circumstances to prevent them from becoming a member.

When and why do people become members?

The Rules state that becoming a member means “entering into fellowship with other members of the church”. Usually the decision to become a member is a way of affirming someone’s commitment to being a Unitarian and being part of Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians. It is also a way of becoming more involved in running things, as membership confers the right to vote during both elections to the management committee, and on decisions made at congregational meetings (such as the AGM). Members can represent Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians at the annual UK Unitarian General Assembly, and can stand for election to the management committee should they wish to.

Do other churches and fellowships do this?

Yes. All other Unitarian churches and fellowships also have membership systems. Each year they report to the General Assembly (the national organisation for UK Unitarians) how many members they have, and pay a “quota payment” of £35 per member to the General Assembly. This helps to sustain the national movement and ensure they can keep providing us with support.

Do I have to become a member to keep coming?

No. Everyone is welcome to attend, and it is not necessary to be a member to do so – it’s a personal choice, not a requirement. People may attend for many years and contribute a great deal to the life of Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians without becoming members.

Is there a ceremony?

There is no single formal Unitarian ceremony for becoming a member and it is not a requirement, but many Unitarian congregations like to mark the occasion as something to celebrate, and we will happily arrange a membership ceremony to celebrate your joining us. Recently we have adopted the wording of the Unitarian Universalist new member ceremony (https://www.uua.org/worship/words/ceremony/184716.shtml) for these occasions, although if someone prefers to become a member without a public ceremony, we respect their choice.

Here is a leaflet about membership you can download for reference.

What is a ‘Friend of Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians’?

Friends of Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians are people with a long-standing connection to our fellowship who are not members. Some are former members who have left the area but who want to retain their relationship with us. Others regularly join in our gatherings, but feel that their existing religious or spiritual commitments preclude their becoming full members of our congregation. Friends are kept informed about what’s going on at Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians, and may attend and speak at our AGMs and any Special Meetings (though not vote). There is no financial requirement to be a Friend.

Anyone considering becoming a Member or Friend of the fellowship who wants to know more is welcome to discuss this with the Chairperson of the fellowship , currently Louise Reeve, who can be reached at: louise.reeve@newcastleunitarians.org.uk