April 16, 2003
by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE -The Long Island Council of Churches (LICC) has named the Presbyterian Church (USA) it's "denomination of the year" for its assistance to New York-area residents in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

The honor will be bestowed on the PC(USA) at LICC's May 1 annual meeting. Receiving the award on behalf of the denomination will be Long Island Presbytery's moderator, the Rev. Johanna Johns Young, and the chair of its Council of Missions, the Rev. Allan Cole.

In the 18 months since the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has contributed $496,000 to the relief efforts of the Long Island Council of Churches. During that time, according to the council's development director, Sara Weiss, LICC has helped well over 100 households victimized by the attacks. Its relief work continues.

The praise goes to generous Presbyterians who have supported PDA, said Stan Hankins, associate for disaster relief in the U.S. "We are grateful for this recognition and accept it on on behalf of generous Presbyterians across the country who made the grants possible," he told the Presbyterian News Service April 15. "The partnership formed by PDA, the Long Island Council of Churches, and the Presbytery of Long Island continues to minister to those affected by the tragic events of September 11."

PCUSA News Service