Firestorm in Los Angeles: Churches and Homes in Ashes
The wildfires raging across Greater Los Angeles have wreaked havoc, consuming over 2,000 structures and forcing thousands to evacuate. Among the devastation, many churches and homes of parishioners have been lost, leaving the community to grapple with the unprecedented destruction.
John H. Taylor, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, expressed sorrow over the “losses too great to bear.” In a Facebook video, he detailed the destruction, including the historic Saint Mark’s Church in Altadena and Saint Matthews Church and school in Pacific Palisades. “The list of names of members of our churches…who have lost their home could exceed 40 or 50 by the time all of the news is in,” Taylor shared.
Amidst the chaos, Rev. Carri Patterson Grindon of Saint Mark’s urged the community to unite in prayer via Zoom, acknowledging the difficult times faced by the church. “This has been a painful and unimaginably difficult day for our whole community,” she wrote on Facebook.
The New York Times reported that the fires have ravaged over 27,000 acres, marking some of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history. Mandatory evacuation orders affected tens of thousands, with the Palisades and Eaton fires causing significant damage.
President-elect Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s management of the crisis, calling for his resignation in a Truth Social statement: “One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground… This is all his fault!!!”
Actor James Woods emotionally described the personal impact of the fires during a CNN interview, highlighting the sudden loss homeowners face: “One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone.”
As flames spread to the Hollywood Hills, more than 80,000 residents faced evacuation orders, although these were lifted just before midnight, according to a Los Angeles Fire Department release. Caution was advised upon return as firefighters continued their operations.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced criticism for her absence during the early stages of the disaster, as she was abroad for an event in Ghana. Despite the backlash, Bass defended her actions, stating, “I took the fastest route back, which included being on a military plane,” and emphasized the need for unity during this crisis.
Bishop Taylor extended prayers for first responders and reflected on the resilience and unity within the Episcopal community. “It’s a considerable blessing that as of now no word has reached us of any member of our Episcopal community being injured or hurt,” he noted. He also shared that All Saints Church provided shelter to approximately 180 people, many of whom had never visited the church before, fostering new connections during this challenging time.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
