On Ash Wednesday, the Steering Group for ‘Season of Creation’ announced that ‘Peace with Creation’ would be the theme for 2025. International faith leaders are inviting Christians around the world to take part in the initiative.
The ‘Peace with Creation’ theme will call for action, justice and hope in response to the impact of climate change and ecology loss. It aims to redress destructive human behaviour that is causing a “war on creation”.
The major advocacy focus for 2025 is debt relief, highlighting that one of the biggest injustices facing our world today is the huge level of debt owed by poor and vulnerable countries to rich countries, suffering the worst impacts of climate change, even though they have done the least to cause it.
The symbol for the 2025 campaign depicts a dove carrying an olive branch to bring life to ‘the garden of peace.’ It is a reference to the Genesis story of the flood, which begins with a situation where ‘the earth is filled with violence’, but where the return of the dove with the olive branch comes to be known as a sign of new peace. The Biblical focus for this year’s campaign is Isaiah 32:14-18.
The Season of Creation runs between September 1 and October 4 each year. It is an ecumenical initiative that combines theological reflection with environmental action. The campaign is described as a ‘time to renew our relationship with our Creation and all creation through celebration, conversion and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home.’
Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I proclaimed 1 September as a day of prayer for creation for the Orthodox in 1989. The World Council of Churches was instrumental in making the special time a season. Christians worldwide have embraced the season as part of their annual calendar.
In recent years, statements from religious leaders around the world have also encouraged the faithful to take time to care for creation during the month-long celebration.
Every year, the Season of Creation activities are coordinated by an ecumenical steering committee, which was formed to help Christians around the world fulfil the purpose of the season.
The Steering Committee prepare the theme, symbol, and resources for each season. It is comprised of the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, Vatican Dicastery for Integral Human Development, Laudato Si’ Movement, Anglican Communion Environmental Network, the Lausanne / World Evangelical Alliance Creation Care Network, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the European Christian Environmental Network, ACT Alliance, A Rocha International, World Methodist Council, and Christian Aid.
Speaking about the Season of Creation in 2025, Rev Dr Rachel Mash, Coordinator of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network said: "As tensions rise around the world, God is calling the family of God to work for peace with justice, for peace with the whole of Creation- for our common home. This year, more than ever let us commit to working with our ecumenical family…we invite you to join and work together for Peace with Creation.”
For more information
The official 2025 Celebration Guide will be available in several languages on the Season of Creation website during June. Key dates in the campaign include:
- September 1 - an opening prayer service with global faith leaders.
- October 4 - a closing event with youth voices from around the globe.
A film of faith leaders inviting participation can be seen on the Season of Creation’s social media channels here.
Find out more about the Season of Creation here