environment - archive
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 (ECEN) widened this proposal, urging churches to adopt a Time for Creation stretching from 1 September to the feast of St Francis on 4 October and 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 2014
Since 2008 CTBI has compiled a programme of resources to encourage and assist churches to observe Creation Time.
For Creation Time 2014 an ecumenical group, brought together by Eco Congregation Scotland, has prepared material to support worship leaders, responding to the UN International year of Family Farming and using a lectionary produced by the Church of England Diocese of Bath and Wells.
Resources are now available to download including Bible readings, sermon starters, prayers, children's talks and musical suggestions.
Resources for previous years are all also available:
- 2008 Hope for Creation - a time for worship and action
- 2009 Creation in Crisis - a time for prayer and action
- 2010 Creation Flourishing - a time for celebration and prayer
- 2011 Our Daily Bread - Food in God's creation
- 2012 Sustainable energy in creation - Time for prayer and action
- 2013 Water justice resources
- Creation Time Additional Resources
A substantial compilation of liturgical material, prayers and other items which can be used for a creation or environment focus at any time of the year. Originally compiled in 2008 and updated and refreshed with new items each year. - Climate Change Day of Prayer 2009
Compiled for a special day of prayer before the Copenhagen Climate Conference, this rich collection of prayers and reflections can be downloaded in either written or audio form.
More Creation Time resources are also available at:
Download resources for Creation Time 2014 - God, Whose Farm is All Creation - to coincide with the UN International year of Family Farming
Try this interactive pilgrimage exploring the relationship between God's mission and our own social responsibilities to others and the whole of creation.