Over 40 people from the dioceses of Växjö and Oxford came together to mark this year’s Creationtide and reflect on themes of peace, unity and justice.
Creationtide is the period in the annual church calendar, from 1 September to 4 October, dedicated to God as Creator and Sustainer of all life. For the second year running, the Diocese of Oxford and our link Diocese of Vaxjo in Sweden gathered online for a special service of prayers, hymns, reflections and stories to mark the season.
The Rt Revd Fredrik Modéus, Bishop of Växjö, called in the opening prayers for the service for us all to "cherish the earth so that the next generation can take in its beauty", and encouraged inventiveness and courage in the work we're doing.
Sara Nodmar, Climate Strategist for Växjö, and Hannah Mann, Environment Programme Manager for Oxford, led the service, which was delivered in both Swedish and in English. There were contributions from Bishop Mary and Bishop Fredrik, and the sermon was led by the Revd Magnus Johannsson, vicar of Mönsterås-Fliseryd.
Bishop Mary led the prayers, echoing Bishop Fredrik's message for the Church across the world to "speak with courage for the earth and its creatures", and to be united across borders and languages in our call to care for creation.
The service recognised the climate impacts already being felt by our brothers and sisters around the world, and that now, more than ever, is the moment for Christians to come together and to pray, act and advocate for a better and fairer world. It emphasised that across cultures and languages and borders, and in a world that feels divided and vulnerable, we can be united by love for God and love for his good creation. And this unity can itself can give hope and light to the world.
The two dioceses have been working together on environmental issues for several years, sharing our learnings, experiences and challenges together. Hannah said;
“The Creationtide service was such a special moment to mark the relationship between the two dioceses, and to worship and pray together for God’s creation. I loved listening to the Lord’s Prayer in Swedish!
"I feel re-inspired in my own work, as we seek to care for creation here in Oxford, and I’m looking to working with our friends in Vaxjo going forwards.”
Catch up online
Watch the service online, and find resources to help you and your church care for creation on our dedicated web pages.
