GNOUU is the Greater New Orleans Unitarian Universalists, a cluster group of the three UU churches (First Church of New Orleans, Community Church UU, and North Shore UU Society) located in an area deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina and the failure of the federal levees. These churches have banded together to rebuild and revitalize their congregations and to meet the needs of the slowly recovering community that surrounds them, while growing our liberal faith in this area.

Soon after Katrina, with the participation and encouragement of UUA representatives, the three GNOUU churches created a strategic plan that would produce a robust and vibrant UU presence in the greater New Orleans area. A first step in this joint ministry was the creation of the Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal, a separate private nonprofit organization governed by a board comprised of leaders from the three GNOUU churches. The Center, with branches located at each church, serves as the shared program arm of GNOUU, seeking grants, earning revenue to support its programs and sharing non-financial resources. Its first priority is to address needs identified by congregational members during facilitated discussions.