The Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Conferences of European Churches are uniting once again this year to reaffirm responsibility for creation and issue an invitation to prayer. In a joint statement, sent to Fides News Agency, highlights that the “Season of Creation”, from September 1 to October 4, «is a special period in the liturgical calendars of an increasing number of Churches in Europe».
«So, we are taking advantage of this occasion and unite ourselves in prayer so that humanity may respect the planet. With our whole heart, we pray for those people in the world who are suffering as a result of environmental damage caused by selfishness and neglect.
The network of life must not be interrupted by human greed and indifference towards human beings and the whole of creation», is what is written in the statement.
Recognizing that «due to the improper use of natural resources, linked also to destruction and pollution, we continue to inflict a painful wound on the work of God» and that «the lifestyle of modern society has consequences for the whole of the world». The statement urges «to stop the cycle of self-interest and isolation, recalling that we are all members of one human family». «So, we ask forgiveness, we intend to change our hearts and behavior to spread the seeds of justice and allow the fruits of charity to grow, thus contributing to the restoration of the beauty of creation».
Urging not to forget to thank God «for the beauty and goodness of his creation», and to pray for those «who are suffering because of our wastefulness, greed and, often, our indifference», the Presidents of CCEE and CEC invite «Christians and every person of goodwill to show their own responsibility towards creation, to take on concrete and wise actions to work as good stewards and to fight against inequality through the protection of biological diversity».
