In this feature we seek out answers to questions of broad interest, drawing on experts in congregations, the UUA, and elsewhere. If you would like to submit a question, please write to InterConnections at 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02108, or e-mail dskinner@uua.org.

Q. Deborah Weiner's answer to a question about censorship on UUA-sponsored e-mail lists (Q & A, August 2001) certainly raised my hackles. How dare she and you attempt to enforce "conforming." We UU's are more about nonconforming than conforming. I have not visited the site referred to so I don't know what occasioned the question, but if you are excising material the full fact should be transparent and the eliminations should be readily available, along with the reasoning that led to the elision.

Peter Thexton, UU Church of Hot Springs, AR

A. Weiner, UUA director of electronic communication, was quoted as saying: "We encourage civil discourse on the lists. Sometimes people do question whether we're invoking censorship, but the lists have to conform to our religious beliefs and practices."

Weiner explains, "By using the phrase 'conforming to our religious beliefs and practices' in my response to this question, I meant that that on our UUA-sponsored e-mail lists (there are more than 100), individuals will be asked not to insult one another; to treat one another — including the list managers — with respect with regard to their statements and the number of posts made on any list.

"As a faith community, I believe we are called to articulate our beliefs in affirmative terms — that is, who we are and will be, rather than what we are not. 'Conforming to beliefs and practices' is simply another way of addressing the need for articulating positive statements and actions about our faith, not about censorship."

Q. I've thought about giving a UU World subscription to our local library. I think it would be a good way to get the word out about who we are and give us visibility. Is there a library rate?

A. Yes, there is a discounted rate of $11 per year, but it's only available to congregations, says Irene Greene, UU World circulation manager. A congregation could donate a subscription to a library. That rate is also available to anyone who purchases 10 or more subscriptions. Contact circulation@uua.org, UUA, 25 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108.

Q. Is there a central office within the UUA/UU Service Committee that coordinates disaster response for the denomination? Is there a place we can go to for information and guidance when something like September 11 happens?

A. The UUA determines its response to congregational or political disasters on a case-by-case basis, said Kay Montgomery, UUA executive vice president. These decisions are made by the UUA president. Where appropriate, the UUA coordinates efforts with the UUSC, which is an independent organization. For example, the UUA and UUSC came together to offer a Unitarian Universalist vehicle for contributions to victims of the September 11 tragedy. As soon as possible after an event, information is posted on the UUA Web site.

The initial UUA response to any disaster will probably appear on the UUA-sponsored e-mail list UUA-L. At least one person from each congregation is encouraged to subscribe to this low-volume list. Instructions on how to subscribe to this and other lists is at www.uua.org/lists.