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 16th. The program featured presentations from Dr. Lucy Jones, Kate Varley, Steve Slaten, 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 Chair
The Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy | Contact: melissamccarthy@ladiocese.org
Commission Participants
In addition to Bishop John Harvey Taylor and the Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, 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
November 13, 2024
Tips for a Green Thanksgiving
- Use the good dishes, glasses, cloth napkins, and reusable utensils. Disposable dishes and plastic utensils create a ton of waste.
- Prepare less food. Everybody feels compelled to put a huge turkey in the oven and prepare numerous courses. Choose a smaller bird and skip some of the less-popular dishes to reduce food waste.
- Eat less meat. The meat industry is the number one source of methane gas, which is a major contributor to climate change. Even if you’re not vegetarian, try adding a little less meat to your plate and filling the rest of the plate with healthy sides, such as squash, green beans, or kale.
- Buy local and organic foods when possible. There are significant environmental benefits of using local and organic foods – and they taste better. While these choices may be more expensive, buying even one or two items locally and/or organically grown can make a difference. Be sure to skip the plastic produce bags and bring your own shopping bags.
- Decorate with nature. Forget the petroleum-based plastic and synthetic decorations and adorn your table with natural and homemade festive decor. Fill clear vases with pinecones, acorns, and colorful leaves.
6. Get outside. The temperature around Thanksgiving is usually perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Connecting with nature doesn’t have to involve hiking up a mountain. Just being outside and feeling the sun on your face improves your mood and health greatly.
Climate Change Updates from the Episcopal News
Joie Zhang brings concern for climate crisis to Episcopal Church presence at UNCSW
[The Episcopal News] For Joie Zhang, 18, advocating for such global issues as climate change as a member of the presiding bishop’s delegation for the United Nations Committee on the Status of Women is both personal and pressing. “I still remember vividly the eerie...
The end may be near, but radical change can save the earth, says climate activist Mary Nichols in Margaret Parker Lecture
[The Episcopal News] Unless radical changes are made in current energy use, “the guy with the sign that says, ‘The End is Near’ is right – probably before the end of this century,” environmental attorney and climate activist Mary D. Nichols told delegates attending...
‘Code red’: Melissa McCarthy, Episcopal Church delegation focus on ‘loss and damage’ at UN climate conference
[The Episcopal News] Los Angeles Canon to the Ordinary Melissa McCarthy spent a week meeting virtually with national leaders like John Kerry, former U.S. senator and current special presidential envoy for climate, and with global activists, as part of Episcopal Church...