The ELCIC invites members and congregations to join with Christians of various traditions in celebrating and honouring a Season of Creation, held annually from September 1 to October 4.

This year’s theme is ‘Listen to the voice of creation’. This is an opportunity to affirm the Lutheran World Federation’s commitment to address climate change through liturgy, prayer and action.

2022 Season of Creation Resources:

The 2022 Season of Creation Celebration Guide is available to download here.

For the Love of Creation wants you to consider hosting a Season of Creation Faithful Climate Conversation to encourage dialogue on climate change.

The Season of Creation 2022 Kick-Off Video is now live.

View the Sacred Pause Discussion Guide here.

Revisit the joint 2022 Earth Day Message from leaders of the ELCIC and ACC.

Have a look at KAIROS Canada’s vision for ecological justice.

Watch a reflective video from three ELCIC members – Lutheran Young Adults for Climate Justice

ELCIC’s Greening Faith Communities accreditation invites congregations, organizations, and various ministries to identify annual stewardship of creation goals and to encourage each other in seeking climate justice.

History:

September 1st was proclaimed as a day of prayer for the environment by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I in 1989. The Orthodox church year starts that day with a commemoration of how God created the world. On October 4, Lutherans, Roman Catholics and other churches from the Western traditions commemorate Francis of Assisi, known to many as the author of the Canticle of the Creatures. 

The proposal to celebrate a Season of Creation during these five weeks was made by the Third European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu in 2007. The following year, the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee invited churches to observe Season of Creation through prayers and actions. In 2015, Pope Francis has designated September 1st as a World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation for the worldwide Roman Catholic Church as well. In some circles, Season of Creation has also previously been known as Time for Creation.

Additional Resources: