Christian leaders unite in Assisi to establish historic Feast of Creation
International
In a landmark gathering addressing the spiritual dimensions of the ecological crisis, Christian leaders from Eastern and Western traditions convened in Assisi, Italy, to develop a shared liturgical Feast of Creation. The three-day conference from 5-7 May marks a significant step toward establishing what Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm described as “a wonderful expression of the trinitarian essence that unites us as churches” and a powerful spiritual response to the urgent climate challenges facing our planet
In a landmark gathering addressing the spiritual dimensions of the ecological crisis, Christian leaders from Eastern and Western traditions convened in Assisi, Italy, to develop a shared liturgical Feast of Creation. The three-day conference from 5-7 May marks a significant step toward establishing what Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm described as “a wonderful expression of the trinitarian essence that unites us as churches” and a powerful spiritual response to the urgent climate challenges facing our planet.
In his introductory address titled “An Ecumenical Dream for the Third Millennium,” Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee, set the tone for the gathering, stating: “If the Assisi process continues to develop and reach its goal it might become a landmark in the history of Christianity. Looking back into the second millennium, there seems to be only one precedent: the Feast of the Transfiguration which was originally celebrated in the East and then adopted in the West in 1456.”
The conference brought together representatives from 16 world communions including the Anglican Communion, Baptist World Alliance, Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran World Federation, and Eastern Orthodox churches. The discussions will focus on the theological foundations of the feast, lectionary readings, liturgical prayers, and the date, with 1 September being traditionally observed as Creation Day in Eastern Orthodox traditions.
“The Assisi process could be seen as a path, maybe even as a pilgrimage for rediscovering the beauty of the Trinitarian God at work in God’s creation,” added Bedford-Strohm, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the initiative.
Speaking about the ecumenical significance of the gathering, Bedford-Strohm said: “I would not know of any other group of people on this globe who would have a similar potential to encourage the global spiritual reorientation that we so desperately need!”
The conference participants agreed to continue regional dialogues to prepare for implementing the feast in their respective church traditions. Four out of five continental Catholic bishops’ conferences have already endorsed the initiative, with many other global church families expressing their support.
“Let us pursue the Assisi process for an ecumenically shared feast of creation as such a witness for unity, so that this ecumenical dream for the third millennium may come true. It will be a strong expression of what Jesus called us to be: salt of the earth and light of the world!” concluded Bedford-Strohm.
First published on the World Council of Churches website on 6 May 2025.
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