By Lutheran World Federation Information Service
From September 1 to October 4, Christians around the world will join together in prayer and action to honor and protect creation during the annual Season of Creation. This global observance begins on Sunday, September 1, with an ecumenical online prayer service.
This year’s theme, “To Hope and Act with Creation,” will be the focus of the prayer service, led by faith leaders from various traditions worldwide. Among them is, Rev. Sally Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, who will offer a Lutheran perspective.
Field visit to Mandalia (Chad) on July 15, 2024: Funded by GAC, the “Gender Transformative Climate Adaptation” is implemented by LWF in the Lake Chad Basin, covering regions in both Cameroon and Chad. Photo: LWF/M. Renaux
Lutheran World Federation General Secretary Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt underscores the urgency of this moment: “The relentless rise in global temperatures has led to the loss of biodiversity, lives, livelihoods, and entire communities. Creation cries out in suffering.” We are called to respond, grounded in our faith, she adds. “The Season of Creation inspires us to truly ‘hope and act with creation.’”
Engaging with the theme
This year, faith leaders and churches are encouraged to take tangible steps by signing the “Faith letter” in support of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
A highlight of the season is the global Day of Action on September 21, coinciding with the UN’s “Summit of the Future” Action Days in New York.
In addition, an online conversation on the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty will be held on September 10.
“The relentless rise in global temperatures, with this year, already now ranking as the hottest on record, has meant loss of biodiversity, lives, livelihoods, and whole communities. We hear and acknowledge the urgent call to action. We are a part of God’s creation. Led by young people, we pledge to be more effective advocates for economic and climate justice, safeguarding the planet and its resources for future generations. Together we reaffirm that creation is not for sale.”
— Message of the Thirteenth LWF Assembly
Resources for churches and congregations
Churches across the world are invited to observe the Season of Creation with prayer, reflection, and action. For the Lutheran communion, this is as a critical moment to reaffirm its commitment to addressing the climate emergency.
A comprehensive celebration is available on the LWF’s website. It includes liturgical resources, prayers, and practical ideas for engaging with the Season of Creation. The guide also offers advocacy suggestions for reducing fossil fuel use and is enriched by diverse global perspectives.
The guide was prepared by an ecumenical steering committee with which includes representatives from the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, Laudato Si’ Movement, Anglican Communion Environmental Network, the Lausanne / World Evangelical Alliance Creation Care Network, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, the European Christian Environmental Network, ACT Alliance, A Rocha International, World Methodist Council, and Christian Aid. The guide can be freely used by individuals, communities, and congregations.