WCC News: WCC joins Ecumenical Patriarch in launching Season of Creation with call for "ecological repentance"

The World Council of Churches (WCC) joined Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on 1 September, as he issued a message for the Day of Prayers for Natural Environment, with an urgent appeal for “ecological repentance” and global climate action. The day also marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, gathering all Christians to advocate for environmental protection with spiritual renewal. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 01 September 2025 As the Orthodox ecclesiastical year begins, Patriarch Bartholomew warned that environmental destruction and global violence together threaten life on Earth. “Today, in addition to all this, is added the pandemonium of war cries, bombings, missiles, and explosions, which drowns out the cry of the innocent victims of merciless violence and the groaning of creation,” he stated, declaring: “The future of life on our planet will either be ecological and peaceful—or nonexistent.” Bartholomew described Orthodox Christianity as “the eco-friendly form of Christianity.” Orthodox communities must move beyond simple remorse for ecological damage, he argued. What's needed instead is “a radical change in mindset and behaviour toward creation.” The Patriarch called on Orthodox regional churches (Metropolises), parishes, and monasteries worldwide to act. They must “develop coordinated actions and specific interventions to mobilize the faithful, with emphasis on educating the younger generation.” For Bartholomew, environmental action defines Orthodox identity. “Applying the ecological implications of our faith in practice is a defining aspect of our Orthodox identity,” he wrote. Each year, the Season of Creation brings together Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christians from 1 September through 4 October (the Feast of St Francis of Assisi). The world's 2.2 billion Christians pray and take action for creation care. This year's theme focuses on hope and healing for creation as faith communities worldwide face intensifying climate impacts and environmental breakdown. The WCC opened the season with an online prayer service, joining Orthodox communities and Christians globally in prayer for the natural environment. The service emphasized repentance, renewal, and commitment to creation care. Through October, churches will teach, worship, and advocate around climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental justice. The WCC encourages all Christian communities to take part through prayer, practical action, and advocacy. This work centres on protecting the most vulnerable people affected by environmental breakdown. Read the message here More information on the Season of Creation here 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