The Season of Creation begins on 1st September, the Feast of Creation, and ends on 4th October, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. It is the annual Christian celebration to pray and respond together to the cry of Creation: the ecumenical family around the world unites to listen to and care for our common home.
The theme this year is “To Hope and Act with Creation” and faith leaders are marking the Season with a call to followers to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty https://fossilfueltreaty.org/
After decades of climate negotiations, many governments are still approving new coal, oil and gas projects. The proposed treaty would provide the global roadmap needed to halt the expansion of fossil fuels, manage an equitable phase out of coal, oil and gas, and lay the foundations for an energy transition in which no worker, community or country is left behind. There is a growing coalition of governments, cities, organisations and individuals endorsing the Treaty, including the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament, Christian Aid, Operation Noah and Green Christian.
On 21st September there will be a Global Day of Action – as churches we are invited and encouraged to approach our leaders and let them know of the Treaty and how to support it. Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to engage with our newly elected MPs and start a conversation. Here in Wales, we can also approach our MSs and councillors.
There’s lots of information and suggestions for action on pages 23 – 25 in the Season of Creation Celebration Guide and in the Advocacy Guidelines, both on the Season of Creation website https://seasonofcreation.org/
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Eileen greenadvocate.urcwales@urc.org.uk