As you know, Reverend Erica Richmond, Parish Minister, confirmed with the Parish Committee that she has decided not to pursue consideration as an inside candidate for the settled Lead Minister at First Parish. Reverend Stevie Carmody, Director of Religious Education, provided similar confirmation to the Parish Committee.
Next week, we will begin the process of collecting suggestions from the congregation for the Settled Minister Search Committee. The Parish Committee recommends that First Parish proceed with the settled search process following Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) guidance, and not consider any “inside candidates” for the settled/called ministry search.
What is the definition of an inside candidate?
Parish Committee uses the UUA definition of an inside candidate (page 31), defined as:
- Current member of First Parish (inclusive of current affiliate ministers)
- Current employee of First Parish
- Any minister visiting First Parish in a professional capacity after Rev. Marta announced her retirement in November 2024
- Interns, Interim, or Student Ministers who have served First Parish within the last three years (since November 2021)
What is UUA Guidance about inside candidates?
Over the past several months, the Parish Committee has discussed this issue extensively with UUA representatives prior to this final recommendation. The UUA inspires us to consider the potential of our next ministry with open hearts and fresh eyes. The UUA position regarding the consideration of inside candidates is cautionary, advising congregations against consideration of inside candidates, as the practice often impedes a deeper review and discernment of ministry needs in a transition period.
Why is this recommendation important at this time?
Per the UUA Transitions Team policy, all inside candidates must apply and follow the complete called ministry process before any outside candidates can be considered. For First Parish, inside candidates would need to be considered immediately. The Parish Committee, along with the Transition team, felt the decision regarding inside candidates was necessary at this time.
What is the Parish Committee’s rationale for this recommendation?
Leadership is excited to consider next steps in settled ministry with a fresh outlook. The Parish Committee and Transition Team reviewed the UUA denominational examples, as well as our history. Supporting our beloved community, in a healthy and transparent way, remains the Parish Committee’s top consideration. Several hypothetical examples surfaced in this review. While accepting that an inside candidate may address a short-term need, it may result in unforeseen impacts that do not serve the congregation overall.
How does this decision affect Rev. Erica’s contract with First Parish?
As is standard UUA practice, when Rev. Erica was hired as a Parish Minister, her contract was tied to Marta’s Lead Minister contract. When Marta retired, the Parish Committee extended Rev. Erica’s contract to the end of the interim period (June 2027) to ensure continuity throughout the transition period.
In the coming months, guided by the Transition Team, First Parish will begin the visioning process to reflect and develop a clear list of our ministry needs and goals. This work will include exploring staffing structural models and budgetary constraints. In the end, we would like to give our new settled minister the space to create their own vision to carry our beloved community forward.
How does this decision affect Rev. Stevie’s contract with First Parish?
Rev. Stevie was hired as the DRE with a long term contract that is reviewed every three years so that we ensure it stays up to date with both the UUA guidelines and First Parish goals.
If you have questions or comments, please email parishexec@firstparish.info.
