In 1989 the Ecumenical Patriarch suggested that 1 September, the first day of the Orthodox Church's year, should be observed as a day "of protection of the natural environment". Ten years later the European Christian Environmental Network widened this proposal, urging churches to adopt a Time for Creation stretching from 1 September to the feast of St Francis on 4 October. This was endorsed by the 3rd European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu, Romania in 2007, which recommended that the period "be dedicated to prayer for the protection of Creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles that reverse our contribution to climate change".
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland has put together a programme of resources to encourage and assist churches to observe a Time for Creation in 2009, between 1 September and 4 October. The theme for 2009 is Creation in Crisis - a time for prayer and action.
In preparation for the UN Climate Change Summit which will take place in Copenhagen in December 2009, the resources include material to enable churches, groups and individuals to focus on issues relating to the decisions which will need to be taken in Copenhagen.
Visit the CTBI website via the link on the left for all these vital resources.