Rev. Alan Taylor Renews Interim Contract with Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, Connecticut

Rev. Alan Taylor has renewed his contract with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, Connecticut, for a second year through August 2025. The decision comes as the congregation continues its search for a permanent minister. Taylor, who serves as interim minister, maintains a hybrid role, spending 10 days a month in Westport while fulfilling his duties remotely from his home in Oak Park, Illinois. His wife, Angelica Taylor-Cortes, has made sacrifices to support the family, including leaving her career as a language instructor and cross-cultural consultant to care for their teenage children.

Taylor’s ministry includes a range of community-focused initiatives, such as refugee resettlement, mental health awareness, legislative advocacy, and charity work. He collaborates with Rev. Ed Thompson, the church’s longtime minister of music, in a partnered ministry model. The congregation remains engaged and thoughtful, prioritizing community service and social justice. Members express a desire to live out their faith through charitable actions and advocacy, reflecting the denomination’s broader values.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has a rich history of activism and service. Notable figures like Jerry and Denny Davidoff were influential in the UU movement, and the church played a significant role in Connecticut’s efforts to abolish the death penalty. Despite a period of internal conflict over the past decade, the congregation has maintained its commitment to charity work, exemplified by its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it provided meals to residents in Bridgeport.

Taylor’s background includes experience in counseling abused children and working on issues such as gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform in Illinois. His approach aligns with the congregation’s focus on social justice and community engagement. The church’s long-standing tradition of service and advocacy continues to shape its mission, even as it navigates the challenges of leadership transitions.

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