Environment, racial justice among topics for Immaculate Heart Community’s ‘Lunch & Learn’ lecture series at St. Paul’s Commons

[The Episcopal News] A June 9 program on environmental care and a July 14 presentation titled “Reparations: A Discussion on Addressing Racial Justice” will be hosted at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park, by the Immaculate Heart Community.

A longtime L.A.-based ecumenical Christian order including laypersons and clergy, Immaculate Heart Community relocated its offices to St. Paul’s Commons earlier this year, welcomed by Bishop John Harvey Taylor to share in opportunities for collaboration with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

“The synergies between the ministries of the Immaculate Heart Community and the diocese are remarkable and deeply inspiring,” said diocesan Canon for Common Life Bob Williams, who helps facilitate shared initiatives. “We look forward to a long and meaningful association together in shared service and education.”

Immaculate Heart Community President Sherry Purcell and Pam Hope, development officer, invite all in the diocese to join the 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Friday Lunch and Learn programs in the series, which is named in honor of Marisa Antonini. There is no charge to participate, but free-will donations are appreciated. Reservations may be placed here, and inquiries may be directed to Hope at pam.hope@ihworks.org.

Speaker for the June 9 “Caring for the Environment” program is Jonathan Parfrey, founder of Climate Resolve, which fosters teamwork “to champion equitable climate solutions.” A member of L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’s transition team and the LA28 Olympics Sustainability Working Group, Parfrey is a board member of CicLAvia, the popular street event, and founder of the statewide Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation. He served as director of the GREEN/LA Coalition. He has been L.A. director of Physicians for Social Responsibility, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization. He also founded and directed the Orange County Catholic Worker.

Co-presenters for “Reparations: A Discussion on Addressing Racial Justice” on July 14 are Tony Tolbert and Adam Radinsky, friends since law school and the creators of the “Pay the Tab” podcast that exposes stories of racial justice and then explores creative remedies. For more than 20 years, Tolbert has worked at UCLA Law School, primarily focusing on increasing diversity in the legal profession and enhancing student wellness. Radinsky has practiced public-interest law in the L.A. area for more than 30 years. He led the City of Santa Monica’s Fair Housing and Consumer Protection Division and has also represented labor unions.

These presentations will build on the success of a May 12 program titled “Worker Justice: Far Wages, Benefits, and Safe Conditions for All,” led by the Rev. Bridie Roberts, associate pastor of Hollywood United Methodist Church and deputy director for community organizing for Unite Here Local 11, a hospitality and restaurant workers union representing more than 30,000 members in Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and Arizona. The presentation focused on post-Covid workplace issues, housing equity, immigration reform, and voting rights.

Lunch & Learn organizers encourage participants to save the Friday dates of Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15 for future programs at St. Paul’s Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles.