Resources & Response to the Wildfires
The following resources have been compiled to support all those impacted by the present crisis
Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change
Responding to the urgent global and local needs of the current environmental crisis, the Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change, comprising more than 20 members appointed from across the diocese, is actively engaged in these priorities:
- Advocating for a better response in the U.S. to climate change priorities
- Educating diocesan congregations, schools, institutions, and individuals in addressing climate change
- Engaging General Convention legislation calling dioceses, congregations, and individuals to action
- Increasing preparedness for natural disasters and responsiveness when they occur
In addition, the Commission is bringing attention to intersections of food insecurity and racial justice; tracking of federal, statewide, regional and local legislation; and development of an anthology of online resources. The role of youth and young adults, together with local schools and seminaries is also key.
Impetus for launching the Commission in March 2022 includes Diocesan Convention’s 2021 Margaret Parker Lecture given by Mary Nichols, parishioner of St. James’, Los Angeles, and a former longtime chair of the California Air Resources Board, who spoke just after her return from the United Nations COP26 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland. View her lecture here.
The Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change offered its first annual Climate Change Summit at St. Paul’s Commons in Echo Park on Saturday, September 16, 2023. The program featured presentations from Dr. Lucy Jones, Kate Varley, Steve Slaten, the Rev. Daniel Tamm, and Lisa Markus. Read a full report on the summit here.
Click below for further resources and to view initiatives that require urgent action:
Commission Co-Chairs
The Rev. Payton Hoegh | Contact: pwhoegh@ladiocese.org
The Rev. Daniel Tamm | Contact: danieltamm@gmail.com
Commission Participants
In addition to Bishop John Harvey Taylor and the co-chairs, commission participants include:
- Canon Robert Williams, diocesan staff liaison and canon for common life; parishioner at St. James in the City, Los Angeles
- Full List of Commission Members can be viewed here.
The commission meets virtually each month.
About the Commission on Climate Change’s Work
During the Episcopal Church’s 80th General Convention, the House of Bishop’s named the climate crisis an urgent concern that affects all issues of social justice. In a statement issued on the final day of the gathering, they proclaimed:
“As people of faith, we are not without hope, but the sustainability of God’s creation demands our action. Confronting climate change and environmental degradation has never been more urgent. As members of The Episcopal Church, we are committed in baptism to resist evil, seek God’s will, treat all people with dignity, and strive for justice and peace. Living into these promises, we must face the climate crisis for the sake of love of God and neighbor”
As part of this vital work, The Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change is committed to keeping congregations and communities of the Diocese of Los Angeles informed and inspired as we collaboratively respond to the developing climate crisis. The commission meets regularly to discuss developments, analyze priorities, and mobilize collective action.
Resource Guide
The Commission on Climate Change has compiled resources in key areas of interest and insight that will support parishes in the work of implementing sustainability and resiliency measures while connecting to the spiritual grounding that guides us in the work of creation care, Earth healing, and climate advocacy. Select a category to learn more about how you and your congregation can be involved.
To schedule an educational program, Climate Change 101: Hope is a Renewable Resource, for your congregation, click here.
For a general list of Climate Change resources including organization links, articles, books, practical and spiritual resources, click here.
Green Tips & Creation Care Commentary
Use in your church bulletin to nourish ecological faith in your congregation & community
Green Up Your Easter!
Here are some tips to make Easter less impactful on our environment:
Baskets: Instead of buying a plastic basket made halfway around the world, check around the house for a basket you can use. Make it a tradition by using it year after year. Shred colored construction paper or comic strips to use instead of plastic grass.
Eggs: Use ingredients around the house to dye your eggs. Boil eggs with a teaspoon of vinegar and any of these natural ingredients for color: cranberries, raspberries, or beets (pink); yellow onion skins or paprika (orange); blueberries or red cabbage (blue); spinach (green); orange or lemon peels (yellow); pomegranate juice or red onion skins (red). Strain through a coffee filter for more color. Then cover the eggs with the dye and put them in the refrigerator overnight.
Candy: Look for organic chocolate, which is made from cocoa grown with fewer pesticides and often with techniques that avoid deforestation while improving soil health. Avoid chocolate that contains palm oil, a major driver of deforestation.
Table: Say “no” to disposable dishes and utensils and paper napkins! Pull out the good dishes. Be eclectic; it doesn’t have to be a perfect match. If you need more dishes, try your local thrift store. Tie everything together with a pretty tablecloth and matching cloth napkins and use the gifts of God’s earth to decorate your table!
Climate Change Updates from the Episcopal News
Climate Change Commission seeks liaisons in congregations, begins strategic planning
Adding liaisons in all congregations to help “co-create and nurture a climate-conscious and creation-attuned diocese” is a key goal affirmed by the Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change (BCCC) during its Feb. 28 retreat meeting at St. Paul’s Commons in Echo Park. The...
Climate Evensong affirms resilience, remembrance, resolve one year after Eaton, Palisades wildfires
Some 250 voices from around the Los Angeles diocese joined the poignant strains of violin, cello and organ, Sunday, Jan. 11 at All Saints Church in Pasadena, in the ancient Anglican prayer practice of Evensong, singing of sorrow, faith, resilience, renewed commitment...
Climate Kitchen offers Season of Creation guidance and ‘recipe swap’
A main course of information about the liturgical Season of Creation was served up by the Bishop's Commission on Climate Change (BCCC) team at yesterday's Climate Kitchen meeting, along with ‘side dishes’ of creation care projects for inspiration, and a ‘recipe swap’...