Preparing for the Festival of Creation in Christ

As we approach Creationtide, Archdeacon Karen Best reflects on two significant developments approved by General Synod: the publication of a major new teaching document on the environmental crises facing our world, and the introduction of an annual Festival of Creation in Christ. Together, these initiatives offer fresh opportunities for churches to deepen their care for creation as an integral part of Christian discipleship.

Introducing the Festival of Creation in Christ – 1st September

General Synod members have approved a new annual Festival of Creation in Christ and considered a major new teaching document from the House of Bishops.

At the heart of the discussions was ‘Hope for All Creation: A Theological Response to the Environmental Crises’, a landmark teaching document authored by the Faith and Order Commission and adopted by the House of Bishops.

The document sets out a Christian understanding of the environmental crises facing the world, rooting care for creation in the biblical story of creation, redemption and renewal, structured around the themes See, Reflect, Respond. It argues that care for creation is not an optional concern but a core part of Christian discipleship and mission. 

It presents environmental action as an expression of hope rooted in God’s purposes for creation, highlighting the Church’s role in responding to ecological crises alongside people of good will across society and around the world. 

Alongside the publication of Hope for All Creation, Synod gave final approval to a new annual Festival of Creation in Christ, to be celebrated in Church of England churches on the first Sunday in September. 

The new Festival is one of the fruits of a growing ecumenical movement across churches worldwide and offers an opportunity for Christians to give thanks for God’s creation and redemption of the world, reflect on humanity’s responsibility to care for the natural world and pray for its renewal. 

The title ‘Creation in Christ’ emphasises that creation is understood through the person and work of Jesus Christ: created through Him, sustained in Him and destined for renewal in Him. 

The new liturgical resources include prayers, readings and other material centred on creation, stewardship and hope, drawing Christians through worship and prayer toward playing their part in the Church’s mission to ‘safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.’ 

The new Festival of Creation in Christ is an addition to the church’s calendar given final approval in July 2026’s General Synod.

Liturgical resources for Creation and the Environment, including provision for the new Festival are available. There are also Daily Reflections for Creationtide  for download and to be used in worship.

These resources are a beautiful contribution to the work across the dioceses in the Church of England and here in Manchester at parish , Mission Community and Deanery level to continue our contribution in the Diocese of creation care.

The Venerable Karen Best

Archdeacon of Manchester