Response resources
Resources & Response to the Wildfires
The following resources have been compiled to support all those impacted by the present crisis.
Our work
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 federal, statewide, regional, and local legislation; and developing 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 (opens in a new tab).
The Commission offered its first annual Climate Change Summit at St. Paul’s Commons in Echo Park on September 16, 2023. The program featured presentations from Dr. Lucy Jones, Kate Varley, Steve Slaten, the Rev. Daniel Tamm, and Lisa Markus. Read the full report on the summit.
About the Commission’s work
During the Episcopal Church’s 80th General Convention, the House of Bishops 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.
Explore
Resource Guide
The Commission has compiled resources to help parishes implement sustainability and resilience measures while connecting to the spiritual grounding that guides creation care, Earth healing, and climate advocacy.
The Episcopal Church Creation Care Ministry (opens in a new tab)
Sustainability & Solar Power Resources
Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience
Climate Change Educational Resources
Political Policy & Environmental Advocacy
Spiritual Formation ResourcesTo schedule Climate Change 101: Hope is a Renewable Resource for your congregation, visit the education resources page.
Download the general Climate Change resource guide (PDF, opens in a new tab).
Creation care commentary
Green Tips
Use these tips in your church bulletin to nourish ecological faith in your congregation and community.
Sun Protection Tips
With summer upon us, it’s good to remember a few tips about sunscreens and their impacts on us and the environment. Mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are generally safer environmental choices than chemical sunscreens. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are especially harmful to oceans and coral reefs. UPF clothing and a hat are useful alternatives that can reduce plastic packaging waste.
If you use sunscreen, choose lotion over spray to keep active chemicals on your skin instead of in the air. Shower before entering natural waters so sunscreen, oils, and leave-in conditioners do not wash into and disrupt ecosystems.
View the full Green Tip Archive (opens in a new tab)
Thanks to Gloria Sefton and Kathy Cartelli for sharing these bulletin resources with Episcopal congregations in the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Latest updates
Climate Change News
April 8, 2026
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 air efforts across Southern California. Bishop John Harvey Taylor said […]
March 4, 2026
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 in-person meeting brought together 12 participants from across the Diocese of Los Angeles, […]
January 14, 2026
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 and remembrance, one year after “once-in-a-century” wildfires destroyed area lives, homes, schools and […]