The World Council of Churches (WCC) joined ecumenical partners for an online meeting titled “Assisi Reunion and Next Steps of Feast of Creation.” The event brought together faith leaders to discuss ongoing initiatives and plans for promoting the Feast of Creation, highlighting the critical role of faith communities in environmental stewardship and climate justice.
“I am glad that many people are committed to making the vision of a Feast of Creation also in the western churches become true,” said Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, WCC moderator.
“The Nicaea anniversary year 2025 could give these efforts a big push,” he added, referring to the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, which gathered the whole of Christendom to seek consensus on the central meaning of Christian faith.
“We have two Christ feasts, Christmas and Easter, and we have Pentecost as the feast of the Holy Spirit,” said Bedford-Strohm. “A global Feast of Creation would be a wonderful liturgical place to also praise God the creator for the work of creation and to renew our commitment to till and care for the earth.”
Pacific Conference of Churches general secretary Rev. James Bhagwan delivered a reflection from the Marshall Islands, highlighting the severe impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. He stressed the profound interconnectedness of all creation, stating, “We need to act together for creation care. The Feast of Creation reminds us of our connection with creation and the creator, and the urgent need for collective action.”
The meeting included a review of the Assisi report, a comprehensive booklet documenting the outcomes of the first Assisi seminar, which underscored the theological and liturgical significance of the Feast of Creation. Bishop Bedford-Strohm outlined the WCC’s ongoing and planned initiatives, noting that the Feast of Creation is integral to the Living Planet economic and ecological justice programme.
Dr Louk Andrianos, WCC consultant for Care for Creation, Sustainability, and Climate Justice, highlighted the collaborative efforts of various church denominations in celebrating the Feast of Creation, aiming for a global culmination on 1 September 2025, coinciding with the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council at Nicaea.
Cosponsored by the WCC, the Laudato Si’ Research Institute, and other major ecumenical partners, including the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation, and Anglican Communion, among others, the meeting served as a global platform for sharing reflections and strategies following the initial Assisi seminar in March.