themes
environment and
climate change
time for creation
In 1989 the Ecumenical Patriarch suggested that 1 September, the first day of the Orthodox Church's year, should be observed as a day "of protection of the natural environment". Ten years later the European Christian Environmental Network widened this proposal, urging churches to adopt a Time for Creation stretching from 1 September to the feast of St Francis on 4 October. This was endorsed by the 3rd European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu, Romania in 2007, which recommended that the period "be dedicated to prayer for the protection of Creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles that reverse our contribution to climate change".
Creation Time 2010In both 2008 and 2009, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland compiled a programme of resources to encourage and assist churches to observe Creation Time. Resources will again be produced for Creation Time 2010. These should be available by June and will include suggestions on a variety of ways in which churches, groups and individuals could choose to focus on creation at this time of the year. The theme for 2010 will be added to this page as soon as it is known.
Resources for 2008/2009
These are still available as downloads:
- 2008 Hope for Creation - a time for worship and action
- 2009 Creation in Crisis - a time for prayer and action
- Creation Time Additional Resources
A compilation of liturgical material useful for a creation or environment focus at any time of the year. - Climate Change Day of Prayer 2009
A wealth of liturgical material is also available from:
Our 2009 resources for worship services and study are still available for download