Dear Sisters and Brothers,
September marks the Season of Creationtide in the Church calendar.
It has always seemed an apt moment in the year to have a focus on God’s beautiful creation and our role in caring for it, coming as it does at a time in the year when we move from the growth of spring and the warmth of summer, towards the time of harvest.
This year, however, following a summer of exceptional heat, drought, and wildfires, our minds may be more focused than ever on the very real and urgent impact of climate change and the need for all of us to play our part in reducing carbon emissions.
Indeed, General Synod has this year, approved a new feast day called Creation in Christ to be marked on the first Sunday of each September, and a new teaching paper called Hope for All Creation.
New feast days and theological responses are not approved that often, so this is a significant moment, with both underlining the importance and centrality of caring for God’s world as part of our daily Christian witness.
Handwringing about the climate is no longer enough.
It’s why, at the start of this month of reflection, action and prayer for God’s creation, we want to encourage you to consider the part you can play individually and through your church to make a positive difference.
You might like to read the new Church of England’s Hope for All Creation reflection. You can find it on the Church of England’s website or download it via their Everyday Faith app.
Why not attend the Diocesan Eco Conference?
Taking place on Saturday 19 September at Rochester Cathedral it will be a great way to gather ideas and attend practical workshops on creation care and how to reduce energy use. Tickets can be booked via the diocesan website.
Or step forward to help those who lead your church with their creation care plans. Let’s them know you want to be involved.
Above all, please commit afresh to caring for God’s world this Creationtide.
In a powerful film called the National Climate Emergency Briefing hosted by naturalist Chris Packham, a series of experts set out the stark reality of the combined impact climate change will have, and is having, on our health, national security, food supplies, and weather.
While it is a sobering watch, the experts also say that the solutions are available, it just needs enough people to commit to often small actions or changes for there to be a positive tipping point towards creating real positive change.
So please, join the whole diocesan family in praying for God to help us be part of that positive tipping point.
Let’s pray for God to give us the strength and courage to keep going, despite how worrying the situation may be, as what we do really does matter.
And let’s give thanks for all that is already taking place in your church and others across this diocese, to steward God’s bounteous gift to us this Creationtide, and beyond.
With our prayers and blessings
Bishop Jonathan Gibbs Bishop Simon Burton-Jones
Bishop of Rochester Bishop of Tonbridge