Over the past few weeks, communities across our region have been celebrating the Season of Creation with prayer, reflection, creativity, and an intentional deepening of connection with the natural world. This global ecumenical initiative, held annually from 1 September to 4 October, invites Christians of all traditions to unite in caring for our common home. Locally, it has also become a time to strengthen bonds across denominations, embodying the unity for which Christ prayed: “that they may all be one” (John 17:21).

Pope Leo XIV, echoing the vision of Pope Francis, has emphasised that ecological conversion and ecumenical unity belong together. In his September prayer video he prayed: “Help us to discover your presence in all creation, so that, in fully recognising it, we may feel and know ourselves to be responsible for this common home where you invite us to care for, respect and protect life in all its forms and possibilities.”

On Friday 5 September, members of the Catholic, Anglican, and Uniting Churches came together in Murrurundi for their second Quiet Day in the Garden. As companions on the journey, they reflected on the themes of longing and lament, longing for a renewed world, and lament for the wounds inflicted upon creation. A “Quiet Day in the Garden” provides an intentional space of stillness and reflection within nature, offering refuge from the busyness of daily life. Participants observed the beauty of the garden in silence before expressing their reflections through visual art. This ecumenical practice of prayer and creativity affirmed both shared grief and shared hope, reminding participants of their common calling to care for the earth.

The spirit of ecumenical unity was also strong during the aMeN caMiNo weekend retreat, held on the Myall Coast. Catholic, Uniting, and Orthodox Christians journeyed together in prayer, reflection, and walking pilgrimage. Warmly welcomed by Father Joyce and the St Stephen’s parish community at Tea Gardens, participants explored the coastline of Hawks Nest and the bushland of Mungo Brush. Surrounded by the beauty of creation, they were invited to walk gently on the earth, make peace with creation, and strengthen their solidarity as Christians united in faith.

These events highlight the pressing need for Christian churches to act together in responding to the ecological crisis. Creation itself “groans in labour pains” for renewal (Romans 8:22), and no single church can address this challenge alone. Ecumenical collaboration gives visible witness to the reconciling love of God and models the harmony that creation longs to reflect. As Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed: “While we are on the journey to re-establishing full communion among all Christians, we recognise that this unity can only be unity in faith… As Bishop of Rome, I consider one of my priorities to be that of seeking the re-establishment of full and visible communion among all those who profess the same faith in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

The Season of Creation reminds us that ecological conversion is also a call to Christian unity. Pope Leo XIV captured this beautifully when he said: “Every creature, no matter how small, is the fruit of your love and has a place in this world.” By praying, walking, and creating together, Christians give testimony to a shared faith that transcends denominational boundaries and proclaims a common hope: that by caring for creation, we also care for each other.