Season of Creation: An Environmental Christian, Ecumenical, and International Annual Season

What Is the Theme of This Year’s Season?

Since we are co-creatures and part of all that God has made, and our wellbeing is interwoven with the wellbeing of the Earth, the Ecumenical family in the Middle East and the world unites in an annual international environmental Christian Ecumenical season entitled “Season of Creation”, during which we celebrate together through praying and working for the protection of our common home, the Oikos of God.

This international season was launched by the Middle East Council of Churches for the first time in the region in 2021, as it extends annually between 1 September, the beginning of the “Season of Creation” and the days of Prayer for the creation, and 4 October, the end of the “Season of Creation” and the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, Patron saint of the environment.

With great hope, this year's "Season of Creation" theme is “Let Justice and Peace Flow” and its symbol is “A Mighty River”. Prophet Amos cries out “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24). Hence, the “Season of Creation” invites us to join the river of justice and peace and work for climate and environmental justice, as well as to stand by the most affected communities due to climate injustice and biodiversity loss.

The season also invites us to spread hope instead of despair, in a world facing great environmental challenges that threaten human life. Today’s climate and ecological emergency hurts the most vulnerable, many living in the least wealthy nations, who have contributed the fewest emissions. The urgency grows and we must make visible peace with Earth and on Earth, at the same time that justice calls us to repentance and a change of attitude and actions. As we join the river of justice and peace with others then hope is created instead of despair. Streams can rise in the desert. An economy of peace can be built instead of an economy based on conflict.

In this context and amidst the environmental and climate crisis that the world is suffering from, how can we work to protect our common home? Can we make positive change? On an individual level, and according to this year’s “Season of Creation” guide, our individual actions during the Season of Creation are important. Celebrating creation, taking part in clean-ups, planting trees, and reducing our carbon footprint are some of the immediate actions we can take.

But are these steps enough? And what about the international level? The 2023 Season of Creation guide mentions that justice also includes paying historic debts. At a global level, nations with power and wealth have a duty to deal justly and honestly with communities that suffer most from the climate and ecological crises. They have not dealt righteously with their less wealthy neighbours in global forums. They have not fulfilled their promises of financing the losses and damages that vulnerable communities are suffering from, or funding necessary biodiversity initiatives in less wealthy nations, nor have they made the necessary sacrifices to stay below 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming.

However, in light of all these procedures, endeavors, and promises, Prayer remains necessary and essential. The “Season of Creation” can prophetically renew our Ecumenical unity and care for our common home. Justice, allied with peace, calls us to repent of our ecological sins and to change our attitudes and actions. Righteousness demands that we live in peace, not conflict with our human neighbors, and building right relationships with all of creation.

May we journey together in communion as the People of God to let justice and peace flow!

In celebration of the "Season of Creation" 2023, you can find in the two links below the Season's guide for this year in Arabic and English, which includes all the details and information related to the Season and this year's theme, in addition to Prayers and suggestions for participating in the celebrations... Noting that the Middle East Council of Churches has translated the booklet into Arabic and issued it for the interested people.

You can also share your thoughts, suggestions and experiences through the following hashtags:

#SeasonOfCreationME #MECC #SeasonOfCreation2023

موسم_الخليقة #مجلس_كنائس_الشرق_الأوسط#