Season of Creation opens with call for “peaceful habitation” amid climate crisis
The World Council of Churches (WCC) and ecumenical partners opened the 2025 Season of Creation with an ecumenical prayer service on 1 September. Faith leaders from across denominations worldwide called for "peaceful habitation" and healing of creation.
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Albin Hillert/Life on Earth Pictures
02 September 2025
Season of creation
Season of creation 2025
Speaking at the service were Rev. Dr Hyunju Bae, from the Presbyterian Church of Korea, and vice moderator of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development; Rev. Atahualpa Hernandez Miranda from Colombia, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They called for immediate ecological transformation and climate justice.
Ecumenical partners work throughout the Season of Creation to engage Christians worldwide in prayer and action for creation care. Hundreds of participants globally joined the online service, which opened with the biblical promise from Isaiah chapter 32: “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”
Speakers acknowledged the gap between this vision and current climate realities affecting vulnerable communities.
“Fear and anxiety have become daily visitors for many people. A growing number of children and young people suffer from anxiety. Climate inaction plunges them into silent despair about their own future on this planet,” said Bae during her reflection on peace. She called for urgent action: “People from all walks of life should develop climate solutions together and act upon them through radical collaboration for a just transition.”
She emphasized the role of faith communities: “Peace with creation is waiting for committed Christians who are motivated by God's peace, rise above eco-anxiety and focus on action and advocacy, in contemplation and resilience.”
During the prayer, a collective confession acknowledged ecological misbehaviours and intercessions were offered for environmental refugees and communities affected by climate change.
The Season of Creation runs from 1 September until 4 October, with the theme “Peace with Creation,” engaging 2.2 billion Christians worldwide in creation care. A St Francis Day service led by the Season Of Creation youth committee will conclude the season on 4 October, gathering Christian voices worldwide via Zoom and YouTube.
02 September 2025
Season of creation
Season of creation 2025
Speaking at the service were Rev. Dr Hyunju Bae, from the Presbyterian Church of Korea, and vice moderator of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development; Rev. Atahualpa Hernandez Miranda from Colombia, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They called for immediate ecological transformation and climate justice.
Ecumenical partners work throughout the Season of Creation to engage Christians worldwide in prayer and action for creation care. Hundreds of participants globally joined the online service, which opened with the biblical promise from Isaiah chapter 32: “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”
Speakers acknowledged the gap between this vision and current climate realities affecting vulnerable communities.
“Fear and anxiety have become daily visitors for many people. A growing number of children and young people suffer from anxiety. Climate inaction plunges them into silent despair about their own future on this planet,” said Bae during her reflection on peace. She called for urgent action: “People from all walks of life should develop climate solutions together and act upon them through radical collaboration for a just transition.”
She emphasized the role of faith communities: “Peace with creation is waiting for committed Christians who are motivated by God's peace, rise above eco-anxiety and focus on action and advocacy, in contemplation and resilience.”
During the prayer, a collective confession acknowledged ecological misbehaviours and intercessions were offered for environmental refugees and communities affected by climate change.
The Season of Creation runs from 1 September until 4 October, with the theme “Peace with Creation,” engaging 2.2 billion Christians worldwide in creation care. A St Francis Day service led by the Season Of Creation youth committee will conclude the season on 4 October, gathering Christian voices worldwide via Zoom and YouTube.
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