WCC News: Season of Creation opens with call for “peaceful habitation” amid climate crisis

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and ecumenical partners opened the 2025 Season of Creation with an ecumenical prayer service on 1 September. Faith leaders from across denominations worldwide called for "peaceful habitation" and healing of creation. Photo: Albin Hillert/Life on Earth Pictures 02 September 2025 Speaking at the service were Rev. Dr Hyunju Bae, from the Presbyterian Church of Korea, and vice moderator of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development; Rev. Atahualpa Hernandez Miranda from Colombia, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They called for immediate ecological transformation and climate justice. Ecumenical partners work throughout the Season of Creation to engage Christians worldwide in prayer and action for creation care. Hundreds of participants globally joined the online service, which opened with the biblical promise from Isaiah chapter 32: “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Speakers acknowledged the gap between this vision and current climate realities affecting vulnerable communities. “Fear and anxiety have become daily visitors for many people. A growing number of children and young people suffer from anxiety. Climate inaction plunges them into silent despair about their own future on this planet,” said Bae during her reflection on peace. She called for urgent action: “People from all walks of life should develop climate solutions together and act upon them through radical collaboration for a just transition.” She emphasized the role of faith communities: “Peace with creation is waiting for committed Christians who are motivated by God's peace, rise above echo anxiety and focus on action and advocacy, in contemplation and resilience.” During the prayer, a collective confession acknowledged ecological misbehaviours and intercessions were offered for environmental refugees and communities affected by climate change. The Season of Creation runs from 1 September until 4 October, with the theme “Peace with Creation,” engaging 2.2 billion Christians worldwide in creation care. A St Francis Day service led by the Season Of Creation youth committee will conclude the season on 4 October, gathering Christian voices worldwide via Zoom and YouTube. Learn more about the Season of Creation here WCC joins Ecumenical Patriarch in launching Season of Creation with call for "ecological repentance" (News Release, 01 September 2025) Over 100 African faith leaders gather online to strengthen Season of Creation (News Release, 21 August 2025) Faith leaders invite all to celebrate Season of Creation (News Release, 11 August 2025) Opening event for Season of Creation 2025 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland