CEC and CCEE call for “Peace with Creation” as Christians worldwide prepare to observe the Season of Creation, held from 1 September to 4 October. The joint statement is signed by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, CEC President, and Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, CCEE President.
The presidents reflect on the prophet Isaiah’s vision of a “garden of peace” and urge communities to embrace a sober life, respecting the gifts of creation while rejecting the exploitation of people and of natural resources.
“Seeking peace with creation is not an abstract ideal but a daily commitment”, the presidents state, “a call to live in a way that honours the giver of life”.
They add: “Our world can hardly be seen as a garden of peace nowadays”. Yet, like Isaiah, we believe that returning to a way of life rooted in trust and devotion to God can offer an alternative to catastrophe.
The joint statement connects this call from all churches to care for creation with the upcoming United Nations COP30 Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil. The presidents express hope that leaders will place the needs of the poor and vulnerable at the heart of climate action and see the climate crisis as an opportunity to reconfigure international relations toward the common good.
The Season of Creation, they affirm, is a time for prayer, conversion, and advocacy, praying that “our way of living may echo what we believe and confess: «The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands» (Psalm 19:2)”.
The statement also notes that the theme of “Peace with Creation” aligns with the revised Charta Oecumenica, due to be signed later this year, strengthening Christian unity and committing to care for creation across Europe.
As Christian communities across Europe unite to this call, CCEE and CEC call on all people of faith to join in protecting our common home and promoting a just and sustainable future.
Download and read the full statement here.
Learn more and download the Season of Creation Celebration Guide 2025
