Disaster relief: Mass. congregation pays mortgage of Louisiana church

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills (UUSWH), Wellesley, Mass., has pledged to take over the monthly mortgage payments of a small Louisiana church whose roof was damaged by Hurricane Katrina and whose members lost their livelihoods. This commitment is valued at $26,000 for one year. Moreover, thanks to the generous matching grant provided by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, N.Y., the North Shore Unitarian Universalist Society of Lacombe, La., won’t have to worry about the mortgage for two years.

"Over the coming months, we will look for other ways to help that congregation survive and thrive as a liberal religious presence in the area," said Elaine Mittell, chair of the Wellesley church’s Katrina Relief Task Force. "Additional goals include establishing an ongoing relationship between our UUSWH congregation members and the Lacombe congregation."