Secular congregation hosts church-like service in Southwest Louisiana

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - Without listening to the music or message, one would assume this was a church gathering.

"It's a way of showing that we still have traditions," said Jerry DeWitt, Director of Community Mission Chapel. "Just because we lack a belief in God, doesn't mean we lack an appreciation for traditions."

With a belief in tolerance, love and reason, members of Community Mission Chapel said the goal is to create a community for those with secular views.

"We've definitely received ridicule for being in this part of the country, it's kind of a given," DeWitt said. "In most people's minds, this territory belongs to certain types of religion."

But these church-like gatherings continue to bring in new faces, like David Hudson. This is the Sulphur resident's first service to attend.

"I'm an Atheist," Hudson said. "I'm a member of the local Atheist community, but it's not a real active community so it's kind of nice to see it waking up a little."

With sermons and songs, members said they do believe in something.

"They're for Humanism, they're for the community and they're for building a stronger Southwest Louisiana," DeWitt said.

Members said they want to keep meeting regularly and eventually have a permanent building in the area.