Monte Vista UU Congregation follows our 5th Principle which states:  “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large“.  MVUUC, like virtually all North American UU churches, is governed according to the “Congregational Model”. That is, power within the congregation is vested in the members themselves, and not in the minister or any other individual.  Important decisions such as the selection of the minister, the sale of property or other decisions involving major commitments of church resources are decided in an open congregational meeting according to democratic parliamentary procedures.  While MVUUC is a member in good standing of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), an international umbrella organization for our denomination, adherence to recommendations of the UUA is strictly voluntary.  The UUA does not, in any way, dictate to member churches how they are to conduct their internal operations. Congregational meetings are usually held annually. .  Occasionally, special congregational meetings may be held to make a decision that cannot be postponed to the annual meeting. In between annual meetings, the day-to-day work and decision making for the organization is done by a seven member Board of Trustees and by the various working committees of the congregation.  The Board of Trustees and the Committees of the Board are described on separate pages.  You can view MVUUC’s Constitution and Bylaws by clicking on the button, below: