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Louisiana Episcopal Area

Disaster Relief
Corey DuPlessis recalls fleeing his home with family after Hurricane Katrina flooded Slidell, La. He was 9 years old at the time. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Cousins recall the days after Katrina

Seven young men gathered at Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church to talk about what it was like to live through the hurricane and the devastation left behind.
Bishop Delores J. Williamston of the Louisiana Conference places a stole on the shoulders of the Rev. Deen Thompson at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 1. The Rev. Ali Young (far left) of the Louisiana Conference and Thompson's husband, John, also attended. Photo by Susan Ruach, courtesy of the Louisiana Conference.

Elder’s reinstatement marks healing moment

The Rev. Deen Thompson is an ordained elder again nearly 50 years after he was removed from ministry because of his sexuality. “This moment was important for Deen, so it was important period,” said Louisiana Conference Bishop Delores J. Williamston.
Church Leadership
The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler. Photo by Dominque J. Allan, Create It Photography, LLC.

Black clergywomen experience freedom to dance, operate, manifest

At its national meeting in New Orleans, the Black Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church caucus gathered to encourage one another and be encouraged by peers in key leadership positions.
Mission and Ministry
Two views show extensive damage to University United Methodist Church in Lake Charles, La. Southwestern Louisiana has widespread destruction from Hurricane Laura, which made landfall Aug. 27 with winds of up to 150 miles per hour. Photos by Jerry Jackson, courtesy of the Rev. Angela Cooley Bulhof, University United Methodist Church.

Louisiana churches hit by Hurricane Laura

Though flooding was less than feared, ‘the wind was not our friend,’ bishop says.

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