Pope Francis has made a concerted effort to include various faith groups in the discussion on climate change. From Buddhist communities to Jewish leaders, religious groups are joining the interfaith coalition to care for God's creation, a moral response to an issue that impacts everyone. In this sense, creation care has become a unifier of action and leadership, bridging gaps previously considered impasses.
No greater a display of unity than the shared concern between Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, better known as the 'Green Patriarch.' Taking a cue from the Orthodox Church, Pope Francis will designate September 1st as the "world day of prayer for the care of Creation," offering an opportunity for people of faith to reaffirm their commitment to God's creation. Please join Pope Francis (and the global faith community) in this worldwide event.
Better yet, consider hosting the event at your faith facility with this how-to-guide from Blessed Tomorrow.
Pope Sets Day Aside to Pray for the Care of the Environment
By The Associated Press
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has taken a cue from Orthodox Christians and designated Sept. 1 as a day for Catholics to pray for the care of the environment.
The Vatican said Monday that Francis, taking up a suggestion from Orthodox leaders, instituted for Catholics a "world day of prayer for the care of Creation" to be marked every Sept. 1.
Writing to Vatican cardinals about his decision, Francis quoted from his encyclical this year about the need for Christians and all people to protect the environment.
Francis told the cardinals the day will offer "individual believers and communities" an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to being "stewards of creation."
The pope said Catholics' marking the prayer day on the same date as the Orthodox highlights the "growing communion" between the churches.
