Firefighters risking everything eventually brought the flames under control, and, some twelve hours after it began, the fire was snuffed out. We awoke the next morning to study the ruins and to give thanks for what was still standing: bell towers, pipe organs, and rose windows.

Rebuilding began.

But Notre Dame is not the world’s only holy place: every culture has equally precious places that mediate the transcendent. Every mosque and temple is sacred, every shrine and synagogue, and every storefront church.  And so, too, are the lands and waters of indigenous peoples sacred. Where is the protest and grief as these lands are destroyed?

The fire in Notre Dame – literally, “Our Lady” – is over. But the fire on Mother Earth rages on. Read more

The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas is the non-stipendiary Missioner for Creation Care for both the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ.​