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FAQ: Where are we in the process?
The Board of Trustees hears many questions about the leadership transitions ahead. Last September, the Board's subcommittee called the "Transition Coordinating Committee" (TCC) issued an update on transition issues, focusing on changes in RE leadership after the Rev. Susan Archer's retirement on January 1. (See September 27, 2011 article and accompanying timelines on the CLUUC website.) We'd like to update you on our progress.
Q. Which leaders are we looking for now?
We are beginning the process of looking for an interim Religious Education leader who will start this August after Linda Gianessi concludes her term as our Temporary Religious Education Coordinator. The options for RE interims include a Minister of Religious Education (MRE), or a Credentialed Religious Educator (CRE), a highly qualified lay professional trained in religious education. We are also in the process of taking nominations for the Senior Minister Search Committee, which will consist of seven people to be elected as a slate at the Annual Congregational Meeting on April 15. These seven people will each devote 250 to 400 hours to selecting the best qualified candidate for our new Senior Minister to start in August 2013. (For details, see The UUA Settlement Handbook, http://www.uua.org/documents/mpl/transitions/settlement_handbook.pdf)
Q. Why aren't we filling the RE leadership vacancy on a long-term basis as soon as possible?
Based on UUA advice and recommendations, the TCC and the Board decided: (1) The RE Program and the congregation would benefit from an interim process led by a professional RE Interim; (2) the Senior Minister position should be filled before the permanent RE leader is chosen, in part because it is very difficult to conduct two searches at the same time; and (3) Cedar Lane has many unique characteristics and will attract excellent candidates for both the Senior Minister and RE positions, so it is wise to take all necessary time to evaluate our needs thoroughly and find the best people.
Q. We've always had an MRE. Why are we considering other types of Religious Education professionals?
Although Cedar Lane was a pioneer in the MRE concept, there are fewer MREs available today and even fewer MREs who specialize in the interim process. However, the UUA provides other levels of credentialed and highly qualified Religious Education leaders who are not ordained ministers. We cannot predict the availability of MREs for our permanent RE leader, or our ability to meet UUA salary guidelines for the ministers we would like to hire and retain. The interim period could be an opportunity to experience another type of skilled religious education leader to guide us through a process of self-examination, reflecting on the history of our RE program and our vision of what we'd like it to be. We encourage everyone to keep an open mind. Our Interim Senior Minister, the Rev. Evan Keely, will also help us with our self-examination process. When that process is concluded, we'll conduct a separate search for our religious education leader.
Q. We really like the Rev. Evan Keely. Can he stay as our settled Senior Minister?
Unfortunately, Evan's role as an Interim Senior Minister does not include the ability to be considered as a candidate for the settled position. But he is highly enthusiastic about his role at Cedar Lane and welcomes all your questions and comments.
The Board also welcomes your thoughts and your assistance in this time of transition. If you haven't already done so, please be sure to fill out your nominations form by Wednesday, February 1 with names of highly qualified members to serve on the Senior Minister Search Committee.
- Bonnie Beavers, BOT Chair 2011-12, on behalf of the TCC
THE BOT TRANSITION COORDINATING COMMITTEE 2011-12
Bonnie Beavers |
Cedar Lane Unitarian
Universalist Church |
