In a landmark gathering addressing the spiritual dimensions of the ecological crisis, Christian leaders from Eastern and Western traditions convened in Assisi, Italy, to develop a shared liturgical Feast of Creation.
The three-day conference from 5-7 May marks a significant step toward establishing what Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm described as "a wonderful expression of the trinitarian essence that unites us as churches" and a powerful spiritual response to the urgent climate challenges facing our planet.
The conference brought together representatives from 16 world communions including the Anglican Communion, Baptist World Alliance, Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran World Federation, and Eastern Orthodox churches. The discussions will focus on the theological foundations of the feast, lectionary readings, liturgical prayers, and the date, with 1 September being traditionally observed as Creation Day in Eastern Orthodox traditions.
The conference participants agreed to continue regional dialogues to prepare for implementing the feast in their respective church traditions. Four out of five continental Catholic bishops' conferences have already endorsed the initiative, with many other global church families expressing their support.
Read more on the conference here: oikoumene.org