Here are some FAQ about becoming a member:

What does Membership Mean?

Membership may have different meanings for different people. For some, it may be a way of outwardly acknowledging an inward commitment to our religion. For others, it may reflect the desire to join this particular Fellowship and assume some sense of responsibility to it.

What if Im not sure about my religious beliefs?

Few Unitarians are ever sure of their religious beliefs. In fact, because it has no set creed, Unitarianism appeals to many people who see their religious life as a journey, or searching process. Membership in our Fellowship does not require any sort of test or declaration of belief.

What does our constitution say about membership?

• Membership is granted to any person sixteen (16) years of age and over who subscribes to the purpose of the Fellowship and who has signed the Membership Contract of the Fellowship.
• Membership fees will be recommended by the Board and subject to the approval of the majority of members attending an annual general meeting.
• A Voting Member is any member who has attained the age of sixteen (16) years and has been a Member of the Fellowship for at least ninety (90) days.
• Membership in the Fellowship shall in no way be restricted based on gender, sexual orientation or ethnic origin.

What are the benefits of becoming a member?

• Voting privileges at Congregational meetings
• Lay Chaplain Services
• Opportunity to join with others in worthwhile projects in the larger community
• Belonging to a growing spiritual community

Membership Responsibilities

• Supportive ofUnitarian principlesand theFellowships statement of purpose.
• Sign the membership book at a welcoming ceremony
• Financially support the work of the fellowship
• Members are encouraged to support the fellowship with their presence at activities, and participate in the life of the Fellowship.

What are the financial obligations of becoming a member?

Members must make an identifiable contribution to the fellowship each year (via an envelope with the members name on it), but there is nominimum amountthat any member is required to give. That means any financial contribution is acceptable, no matter how great or small. However, you may want to know that for every member, our fellowship contributes a $90 annual fee to theCanadian Unitarian Council.

How long should I wait before becoming a member?

No one should feel pressured to enter into membership before they are ready to take that step. For some people, the amount of time from a first visit to becoming a member is relatively brief, perhaps a few months. Others may take years before becoming a member. Still others may participate and remain active in the Fellowship and never become members. Your decision should be the one that feels right for you.

How do I become a member?

You can contact any Board Member to ask to become a member of our Fellowship. Or, you may receive an invitation letter to join after you have been attending for a few months. You are welcome to join when you feel ready.

A New Member Welcoming Ceremony is held as the need arises. This is your presentation to our community and the Fellowship formally welcomes you into membership. At this time you will sign the Membership book

Unitarian Resources

The Fellowship library has several books with Unitarian teachings for newcomers. A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, by John A Buehrens and Forrester Church would be a good first choice. More information on the Unitarian Universalist movement is available at the following web sites:

www.cuc.caThis is the website of the Canadian Unitarian Council, our national denominational body. Here you will find a general history of Unitarianism in Canada, a section on what Unitarians believe and a listing of various programs. There are also links to other Unitarian congregations.

www.uua.orgThis is the website of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the national body of Unitarians in the United States. This site has lots of information about Unitarians as well as a link to the UUA bookstore which has many books which are helpful for visitors and new members.