The environment around the year
There are several events each year around London about the environment and climate change, which church members can take part in.
The Church’s year
The canonical Anglican calendar does not include a celebration of creation as such. It is supplemented by a range of events running in parallel.
The Liturgical Commission provides undated resources (pdf), subject to the principles in Canon B5.
Lent
There are many customs and traditions associated with Lent.
To show our concern for God’s creation and the impact of global warming and climate change, we can mark Lent with a Carbon Fast, starting on Ash Wednesday.
In 2018, Ash Wednesday will fall on 14 February, with Easter Sunday on 1 April 2018. Resources will be posted nearer the time.
Of course, reducing our emissions and changing the way we live are not just things we do in Lent – they need to be forever.
Earth Hour
Earth Hour is an annual event organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), when people and organisations all over the world switch off their lights for one hour.
Earth Hour 2018 is scheduled for 8:30 to 9:30 pm on Saturday 24 March 2018. People and organisations are encouraged to use this opportunity to make a public statement of their concern to challenge those ways our lifestyles and behaviour threaten the wellbeing of God’s earth.
Environment Sunday
Environment Sunday is on the Sunday nearest the UN’s World Environment Day (5 June). In 2018, Environment Sunday will be on Sunday 3 June.
Visit the United Church of Canada for ideas on how to celebrate Environment Sunday (and also how to mark Earth Hour – see previous section).
Earth Day
International Earth Day extends the aims of Earth Hour much wider – inspiring ‘a billion acts of green’ on 22 April each year.
In 2018, Earth Day falls on Friday 22 April. The actions we take on just one hour or one day each year must of course lead to sustained action all through the year.
Creation Time
Several Christian denominations in the UK and Ireland and around the world share in this annual event, established in 2007 by the European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu, Romania.
Creation Time is now supported by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI). Each year it is celebrated from 1 September to 4 October, St Francis Day, with prayers for the protection of creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles. Many churches pick one Sunday during the season of Creation Time to focus especially on environmental themes.
For resources for Creation Time 2017, see CTBI Resources.
More information
For the latest news, contact the Head of Environment and Sustainability, who produces a regular newsletter, issued to parish representatives and Parish Environmental Champions.
See also Resources on the Environment.
