Each year from 1 September to 4 October, the Christian family unites for the Season of Creation, a worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call to care for creation. This year, the theme for the season is “Let justice and peace flow”.
Diocesan Secretary, Venerable Stephen Taylor, represented the Anglican Church at the global ecumenical prayer service on Friday 1 September, alongside church leaders from other Christian traditions around the world. Stephen is also a board member of the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) and joined the global prayer service from the ECEN assembly in Denmark.
Stephen said: 'ECEN gave birth to the Season of Creation (Time of Creation back then) many years ago. We have over 25 European countries represented here at the assembly and there is so much diversity and difference and so many stories to share. We have some exceptional theologians, scientists, bishops and amazing and inspiring human beings. There is a woman here working for a Ukrainian eco church group who have created eco resources for children to use in bunkers during bombing raids. We have MEPs here discussing the European Green Deal and the Danish are excellent hosts.'
Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis, the World Council of Churches, and many other leaders called the faithful to celebrate. Globally, Christians joined the online prayer service to come together in a celebration of our common cause.
A celebration guide and other resources are available for anyone to use to celebrate the Season of Creation in their church or community throughout September.