Over 50 church members from parishes in our link diocese in Växjö, the Church of Sweden, and from the Diocese of Oxford, met online to share in a special service to mark this year’s Season of Creation. The service offered a moment of thanksgiving, reflection and celebration. Liturgy, prayers and hymns were said and sung in both Swedish and English.
Addressing the climate and ecological emergency is a shared endeavour between both dioceses; both are working towards net zero carbon and both are exploring ways all parts of our dioceses can be caring for creation. It was a fitting opportunity to gather together, and to hear a powerful reflection from Bishop Olivia on Psalm 8 and Romans 8:19-23, followed by moving prayers from Bishop Fredrik. Bishop Olivia reflected:
Care for creation is not just a political issue or a scientific concern: it is a deeply spiritual one. It’s about honouring the Creator in the way we live, gently and respectfully knowing our place as an embedded part of the whole magnificent enterprise.
And Sara Nodmar, Climate Strategist for the Diocese of Växjö, closed the service before the blessing, expressing her hope for the future – a hope born out of people from different countries and cultures coming together in celebration of, and love for, God as Creator and all creation.
One church member who attended the service said: “The service was absolutely amazing: I thought it worked beautifully and was genuinely prayerful and inspiring.
Find out more about our World Mission work or see how your parish can care for creation.