Bishop's Response to Los Angeles Wildfires

Most beloved in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in this time of great loss and strength. God is with us, in each of our situations, from those who are safe and unaffected to the homeless and grieving. My prayer is we lean into God’s grace and wonder in these times and that all of us may be made whole in Jesus’ name.

The wildfires which devastated multiple communities in Southern California have impacted thousands of us. We know God calls us to care for each other, even people we do not know, in times of need. The Southwest California Synod is being called to care for victims of the wildfire in intentional, thoughtful ways. 

In response to the wildfires, our synod is working closely with Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. We are also creating our own synod disaster response team and hiring a disaster response coordinator. This person will match needs with ways to assist, be that with designated funds, volunteers or resources. 

I, myself, am taking a leave of absence for at least a month to grieve, heal and deal with the myriad new questions and needs in my life. I will be well in God’s care, and also in the confidence that we have so many talented and committed people, on our staff, in our synod council, in our congregations and within our partner organizations. I will pray for you while I am away from my office, and I ask for your prayers as well. 

People will require care for many years to come. We are not daunted by this task, as we cling to God’s promises to strengthen and inspire us. Indeed, people of faith can bring a unique compassion and understanding to the needs of our communities.