wildfires
As Maui rescue continues, families and faith leaders cling to hope but tackle reality of loss
By Bobby Caina Calvan, Giovanna Dell'orto, and Audrey Mcavoy — August 16, 2023
KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Amid the gloom, faith leaders were focused on providing community and spiritual hope for congregants who lost homes and livelihoods. Some vowed to hold services on Sunday.
Native Hawaiian sacred sites have been damaged in the Lahaina wildfires – but, as an Indigenous scholar writes, their stories will live on
By Rosalyn R. LaPier — August 14, 2023
(The Conversation) — The region of Maui has been revered by its Indigenous peoples as a sacred place for generations. It is believed to be the home of Kihawahine, a woman who transformed into a goddess.
During West Coast wildfires, religious groups prepare meals, offer spiritual guidance
By Alejandra Molina — September 11, 2020
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — As numerous wildfires rage across the West Coast, religious groups and their volunteers are receiving donations, delivering meals and offering sanctuary to families who have either lost their homes or who have been forced to evacuate their neighborhoods.
Inches from wildfire, Malibu church faces uncertainty
By Cathleen Falsani — November 19, 2018
MALIBU, Calif. (RNS) — Flames spared the church building, but some parishioners who lost their homes may not be able to rebuild. 'This is catastrophic for those people, and they’re not wealthy people,' said an associate priest.
Pope prays for those stricken by California wildfires
By The Associated Press — November 19, 2018
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis said he wanted to offer a 'special prayer to all those stricken by the fires that are scourging California, and now also for the victims of the freeze of the East Coast of the United States.'
Lutheran comfort dogs bring compassion, care during disasters
By Cathleen Falsani — November 15, 2018
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (RNS) — When suffering people meet ministry dogs, 'You see that little glimmer of hope in their eyes,' says a handler. 'You see the hurt and then it changes to hope and a smile.'
As wildfires rage, California town rallies for material, spiritual help
By Yonat Shimron — August 20, 2018
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Even if the fires are mostly contained, with about 1,600 structures, mostly homes, consumed, the community will rely on churches, parachurch organizations and individuals to lead the way.
Bill that would allow churches to receive FEMA aid advances in Congress
By Chris Mathews — November 30, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The Disaster Recovery Reform Act received strong support from both sides of the aisle despite concerns that using taxpayer funds to rebuild houses of worship would violate the separation of church and state.
Dollywood employee finds burned Bible page after wildfires
By RNS staff — November 30, 2016
'O Lord, to thee will I cry: For the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field,' the page reads, according to a picture posted on the finder's Facebook.
When firefighters fall, chaplains stand
By Adelle M. Banks — July 2, 2013
(RNS) "What we do is we come alongside the survivors,” said Chaplain Jimmie Duncan, president of the Texas Corps of Fire Chaplains. “Sometimes we’re quiet. Sometimes we hug them. Sometimes we pray."
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