Pilgrimage walks around Britain have been organised by Christian Climate Action (CCA) to celebrate the ecumenical Season of Creation, 1 September to 4 October. Routes have been planned in London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Bristol, Durham, York, Oxford, Brighton and other places on 9-10 September.
“The ancient practice of pilgrimage, honoured by many of the world’s great faiths, has a renewed focus in this age of climate and ecological emergency,” said CCA. “Pilgrimage invites a renewal of body, mind and spirit, while offering a visible sign of a different way of living and travelling.”
In London, two groups will walk along the Thames path to the Thames Barrier, and a third journey from Putney to Richmond. Walkers will reflect on the Season’s theme, “Let justice and peace flow” and on the landscapes and places along the way.
On 9 September in Merseyside, CCA, Faiths4Change and local groups have organised a pilgrimage around Port Sunlight River Park. The 3km walk will look at the use of this reclaimed land from its construction, through use as landfill, to the creation of a biodiverse green space, focusing on how human society has shaped the landscape and how it can take responsibility for waste.
Altrincham parish in Shrewsbury Diocese and a Macclesfield cinema are two locations for screenings of The Letter over the month. This Laudato Si' Movement film about the Laudato Si’ encyclical stars Pope Francis himself, together with representatives of the poor, youth, indigenous communities, and wildlife scientists invited to meet with him and with each other. Green Christian has organised a Zoom session on 27 September with Lorna Gold, who took part in the film.
Season of Creation meetings include a Lancaster Diocese Faith and Justice Commission “care of creation” event on 7 October where Sr Margaret Atkins, Dr Stephen Garsed, Dr Paul Kelly and John Paul de Quay are keynote speakers.
The bishops of England and Wales have organised an online webinar, “How can we protect our common home?” on 12 September and the Scottish Laity Network is running a programme of webinars for the Season. Jesuits in Britain offer a four-part virtual journey “to discover new ways of growing relationships with God and the natural world”. Care of creation prayers are beng offered by Cafod.
Westminster Justice and Peace Commission lists resources on its website to help parishes mark the season, particularly a six-minute video to introduce the 2023 theme and a guide with liturgy and activity ideas. Birmingham archdiocese is among those offering prayers of intercession and a rosary for creation. Plymouth diocese spotlights environmental work in Bournemouth’s Holy Family parish, which has achieved the LiveSimply Award.
The interfaith Faith for the Climate network has called for street protests in cities and sites across the UK 15-17 September urging an end to fossil fuel use. And there is a “make polluters pay” action day on 23 September, supported by Christian Aid, challenging fossil fuel corporations to pay for the loss and damage caused by burning fossil fuels.
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