From 1 September, Anglican churches will be involved in the ecumenical Season of Creation (also called Creationtide) – a time of prayer and action for the environment that runs through to 4 October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. The theme is Living Water.

The season commences with the ‘Feast of Creation’, which is celebrated on 1 September, or the first Sunday of September. The Feast of Creation elevates the doctrine of creation to a more prominent position in Christian worship, filling a gap in the liturgical calendars of churches that previously did not celebrate Christ's role in the creation of the world.

This year, the Feast of Creation in Christ has been adopted into the Revised Common Lectionary, which shapes the Christian year and liturgical calendar in many churches.

Several Anglican churches and environmental groups have developed liturgical resources available for use this September, including materials by The Church of England, The Scottish Episcopal Church, Green Anglicans and The Anglican Church of Canada and others. They can be found on the Anglican Communion website.

The Season of Creation website also provides a range of liturgical resources, advocacy materials and action toolkits for churches and individuals.

Speaking about the significance of Creationtide, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally said: 'In the Season of Creation, we turn again to Christ, through whom all things were made and in whom all things hold together. In his incarnation, death and resurrection, God’s love is revealed not only for humanity but for the whole created order. To care for creation is therefore an essential expression of Christian discipleship and an integral mark of the Church’s mission: to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and to sustain and renew the life of the earth. As we follow Christ, we are called to share in his reconciling work, seeking justice, healing and hope for the earth and for all who dwell within it.’

Visit the Season of Creation page on the Anglican Communion website. 

Learn more about the Season of Creation.