Nineteen faith leaders gathered near the entrance of Holman United Methodist Church on West Adams Boulevard on Friday, Jan. 17. In the wake of devastating wildfires, this diverse coalition delivered a powerful and urgent message: Los Angeles must unite to rebuild its lives, homes, and communities.
At the “Call for Unity” press conference, faith leaders from neighborhoods across Los Angeles gathered to inspire hope and mobilize recovery efforts for devastated areas like Altadena, Malibu, and the Palisades. The leaders warned of the dangers of misinformation and political divisiveness, urging the city to focus on rebuilding.
Pastor William Smart, executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, set the tone for the event, proclaiming, “Now is not the time to be divided. We need unity to effectively work together and rebuild our city.” His words were a rallying cry, reminding all Angelenos that collective effort is the only way forward.
Related Stories:
“Our communities need hope, and they need help,” declared Pastor Rene Molina of Resurrection Church as she called for immediate action. “We are here not just to pray but to act, to support, and to rebuild together.” This sentiment resonated with other speakers who emphasized that while spiritual guidance remains crucial, it must be paired with tangible support and strategic recovery efforts.
Pastor Rob Shaw of First AME Church reflected on the lessons that crises impart. “Disasters test our faith, but they also reveal the power of unity. Now is the time for us to demonstrate our shared humanity through service and solidarity.”
The leaders also recognized that rebuilding requires addressing current losses and preparing for the future. Pastor Mary Minor of Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church shared this forward-looking perspective: “As we look ahead, we will evaluate, learn, and adapt. But today, our mission is clear: to come together, to rebuild, and to support one another as one Los Angeles.”
This gathering poignantly illustrated Los Angeles’ cultural and religious richness, with Christian pastors, rabbis, and Muslim leaders standing shoulder to shoulder. Their collective presence spoke volumes about the strength of setting aside differences and working together for the greater good.
Faith leaders urged residents to support relief efforts, rebuild their communities, and care for one another during this crisis. They reminded Angelenos that the challenges ahead would require more than just resources. They would demand compassion, determination, and commitment.
Additional faith leaders who participated in this significant event included Pastor Norman Johnson, First New Christian Fellowship Baptist Church, Pastor Charles Blake Jr. of West Angeles Church, Rabbi Jonathan Klein of LA Beloved Community, Joe and Patsy Ostroy of LA Beloved Community, Lori Cardenas of the National Action Network (NAN), and Pastor J.B. Hardwick of Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Sylvester Washington of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pastor Marvis Davis of the Baptist Ministers Conference, Pastor Donald Wilson of the Baptist Ministers Conference, Muslim professor Najeeba Syeed, and Pastor Patricia Fargas of the Baptist Ministers Conference.
