Service for Unity,
Thursday, October, 21st, 2021

Meditation

A joint message for the protection of creation
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury

The extreme weather and nature ; disasters of recent months reveal afresh to us with great force and great human cost that climate change is […] an immediate and urgent matter of survival. […]
But this involves making changes. Each of us, individually, must take responsibility for the ways we use our resources. This path requires an ever-closer collaboration among all churches in their commitment to care for creation.
Together, as communities, churches, cities and nations, we must change route and discover new ways of working together to break down the traditional barriers between peoples, to stop competing for resources and start collaboration. […]
This is the first time that the three of us feel compelled to address together the urgency of environmental sustainability, its impact on persistent poverty, and the importance of global cooperation. Together, on behalf of our communities, we appeal to the heart and mind of every Christian, every believer and every person of good will. […] Again, we recall Scripture : ‘choose life, so that you and your children may live’ (Dt 30 : 19). Choosing life means making sacrifices and exercising self-restraint.
All of us – whoever and wherever we are- can play a part in changing our collective response to the unprecedented threat of climate change and environmental degradation.
Caring for God’s creation is a spiritual commission requiring a response of commitment. This is a critical moment. Our children’s future and the future of our common home depend on it.


Joint message of the Holy Father Francis, His Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and His Grace Justin Welby, archbishop of Canterbury, for the protection of Creation, 07.09.2021

Intercessions

Prepared by our brothers and sisters from Hautecombe Abbey, France


To be used as appropriate

1. The Season of Creation has been celebrated since 2019 around the world by Christian communities. This ecumenical initiave always begins on September 1st, the beginning of the year according to the Orthodox liturgies and ends October 4th, the feast of St Francis of Assisi.
Lord, we give you thanks for all your Creation and we implore your help in trying to protect it. We put in Your Hands two major events for the future of the earth in 2021 : the Kunming China Biodiversity Conference in October and the 26th Conference on Climate Change (COP 26) in Glasgow, Uk in November.

2. A gathering for women, entilted ‘Among them, God holds your hand’ will take place on October 23rd. This international conference, organised by many French-speaking evangelical churches from North America, Europe and Africa, aims to bring together women of all Christian communities wanting to grow in their faith and share together.
Lord, come and touch, strengthen, comfort and encourage each of the participants of this event

3. The Anglican parishes of Grenoble and Lyon have the joy of celebrating in Grenoble on this coming November 18th the confirmation of several faithful members. On this occasion, the Anglican bishop of Europe, Robert Innes, will be present.
Lord, bless this time of communion between these two parishes. Pour out your Holy Spirit on the faithful, on each of the members being confirmed and on their families.