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
Earth Week Recycling Reminders!
We love when our friends and neighbors recycle and it’s helpful to know what items shouldn’t be put in your recycling bin! They fall into three categories of landfill, compost (green waste), or other recycling. Landfills should be our last resort!
Compost (green waste): food; dirty paper (plates, napkins, tissues, take-out boxes); paper coffee filters and cups (non-plastic-lined); coated or greasy paper or cardboard; wood (but not plywood/pressboard, or treated, stained, or painted wood). Note that food in landfills is generally buried and decomposes without oxygen, slowing the decomposition and creating and releasing methane, a potent planet-warming greenhouse gas. Composting is aerobic (with oxygen) and because methane-producing microbes are not active in the presence of oxygen, methane emissions are prevented.
Other recycling: batteries; cooking oil; electronics; hangers (take to local cleaners for reuse); light bulbs containing mercury (fluorescent/LED); metals other than cans or lids (scrap metal, pots/pans); Styrofoam (take packing peanuts to local shipping store for reuse); wood pallets; plastic bags and film (take to participating local supermarket); construction debris.
Landfill: broken ceramic dishware and glassware; diapers/feminine products; items made of multiple materials; glass (other than bottles and jars); juice, soup, or milk-type boxes with foil liners; incandescent light bulbs; Styrofoam meat trays or other Styrofoam (except at specialized drop-off facilities); rubber or latex gloves; plastic items mixed with metal, fabric, or rubber.
Sources: The Orange County Register, November 15, 2025; US EPA
Climate Change Updates from the Episcopal News
Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change visits South Coast AQMD, explores partnerships for clean air and public health
Members of the Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change visited the Diamond Bar offices of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) on March 24 to learn more about the agency’s work and explore ways the Diocese of Los Angeles might support clean...
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...