Bishop Atahualpa Hernández Miranda from Colombia spoke of the impact of violence and environmental degradation on indigenous communities and of his church’s program to create “Communities of Life.” Photo by daejeung Kim on Unsplash
Prayer and reflection on "Peace with Creation”
(LWI) - LWF Vice-President Isabella Reimann Gnas (Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil) and Bishop Atahualpa Hernández Miranda (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia) joined global Christian leaders in marking the opening of this year’s Season of Creation with an ecumenical prayer service on 1 September.
Observed annually from 1 September to 4 October, the Season of Creation is a time of prayer and action for the care of the Earth, uniting Christians across traditions and continents. This year’s theme, “Peace with Creation,” highlights the urgent call for ecological justice rooted in faith.
Reimann Gnas delivered one of the scripture readings during the opening service, which brought together voices from different denominations and regions. Bishop Hernández Miranda shared a reflection on Isaiah 32:14–18 from the mountains of Eastern Antioquia, Colombia. He spoke of the impact of violence and environmental degradation on indigenous communities and of his church’s program to create “Communities of Life.”
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.
“Isaiah’s vision nurtures the efforts that we as churches continue to make to seek peace with creation and our fellow human beings,” he said.
Commitment to climate justice
In the Season of Creation celebration guide, LWF general secretary, Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, affirms the commitment of the Lutheran communion to the care for creation. "We acknowledge the urgent call to action, and we acknowledge that we can only respond to it based on faith. The Season of Creation is a source of strength and communion," she said.
How churches and congregations can join
Churches and congregations around the world are encouraged to participate through prayer, reflection, and action. For the global Lutheran communion, the Season of Creation offers a vital opportunity to renew commitment to climate justice and advocate for policies that protect the most vulnerable.
An ecumenical celebration guide, available on the LWF website, offers liturgical resources, prayers, and practical ideas. The guide is developed by an international steering committee that includes the Lutheran World Federation, World Council of Churches, Laudato Si’ Movement, Anglican Communion Environmental Network, World Evangelical Alliance Creation Care Network, World Communion of Reformed Churches, ACT Alliance, and others.
These resources are freely available and can be adapted by individuals, congregations, and communities to suit local contexts.
The Season of Creation is an annual ecumenical time of prayer and action, uniting Christians around the world in care for creation. It begins on 1 September, observed by many as the World Day of Prayer for Creation, and concludes on 4 October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who is known for his witness to simplicity, peace, and care for all living things.
During this season, the global Christian family reflects, prays, and acts together in response to the urgent cry of the earth and those most affected by environmental injustice.
