Bishop Laments Great Losses As Wildfires Rage
Bishop John H. Taylor of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles expressed profound sorrow over the devastating wildfires that swept through the Greater Los Angeles area, destroying over 2,000 buildings, including churches and parishioners’ homes. The historic blaze, which has claimed at least five lives and forced thousands to evacuate, has left the community grappling with immense loss.
“We are facing losses too immense to comprehend,” Taylor shared in a Facebook video statement. “By the time all reports are in, the number of parishioners who have lost their homes could reach 40 or 50.” He went on to mention significant losses, including Saint Mark’s Church in Altadena, Saint Matthews Church and school in Pacific Palisades, and two rectories. Taylor urged the community to pray as they endure ongoing challenges.
In response to the destruction, Rev. Carri Patterson Grindon, rector of Saint Mark’s, invited the congregation to join a virtual prayer meeting. “This has been one of the hardest days for our church and community. Many of you have lost your homes, and we’ve all lost our beloved church building,” she wrote on the church’s Facebook page. Grindon reassured the community that they would soon find ways to gather, grieve, and support one another.
According to The New York Times, mandatory evacuations were issued for tens of thousands of residents as the fires scorched over 27,000 acres. The Palisades and Eaton fires are reported to be among the most destructive in Los Angeles history, reducing at least 2,000 structures to rubble.
On Wednesday night, President-elect Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the crisis, calling for his resignation in a post on Truth Social. “One of America’s most beautiful regions is being reduced to ashes. Gavin Newsom should resign. This is his fault!” Trump wrote.
Actor James Woods, speaking to CNN, expressed deep sadness over the fire’s destruction. “One moment you’re enjoying life by the pool, and the next, everything is gone,” he said emotionally.
As the fires continued to spread, a new blaze ignited in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening, prompting the evacuation of over 80,000 residents. However, just before midnight, most evacuation orders were lifted, according to a statement by the Los Angeles Fire Department. A portion of the Sunset Fire zone remained closed overnight as crews worked to ensure no further flare-ups occurred. Residents returning home were cautioned to remain vigilant as firefighters continued their operations.
When the fires first broke out on Tuesday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was in Ghana as part of a delegation representing President Joe Biden. She did not return until Wednesday, drawing criticism from some residents, including Michael Gonzales, a Pacific Palisades homeowner who lost his property. “This was a failure of leadership from the mayor’s office down,” Gonzales told The New York Times. Many locals voiced concerns over insufficient warnings and questioned Bass’s delayed return.
Bass defended her actions, emphasizing that her return was expedited. “I took the fastest route back, which involved traveling on a military aircraft,” she stated, urging unity during this difficult time.
Bishop Taylor, in his latest update, expressed gratitude for the first responders and counted small blessings amid the tragedy. “Thankfully, we’ve received no reports of injuries or fatalities among our Episcopal community,” he said. He also shared a hopeful moment, noting that All Saints Church provided shelter to 180 displaced individuals, the majority of whom had never visited the church before. “They are now new friends,” he added, highlighting the spirit of resilience and compassion within the community.