Today, 1 September, marks the beginning of the 2026 Season of Creation, as Christians around the world gather in prayer, reflection and action to celebrate God’s gift of creation and renew their commitment to care for our common home.

To mark the beginning of the season, Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has released a video message inviting the Church to respond with faith, justice and hope.

This year’s Season of Creation is centred on the theme ‘Living Water’, inspired by Ezekiel 47:9 and 12. In the prophet’s vision, a river flows from God’s sanctuary, bringing healing, restoration and new life wherever it goes.

For Rev Suli, this vision speaks powerfully into a world experiencing environmental degradation, climate change and displacement.

“Amid devastation and displacement, Ezekiel sees a river flowing from the presence of God, bringing healing, renewal, and life,” Rev Suli says.

She also invited the Church to hold in prayer communities affected by environmental disasters, including the people of Nepal and Tibet following devastating floods, as well as communities across Asia, the Pacific and around the world living with the realities of a changing climate.

The season’s symbol, ‘Immersion in Living Water’, encourages Christians to step into God’s life-giving river and depend fully on God’s grace. As recipients of this living water, Christians are called to become channels of hope and renewal, allowing God’s love to flow through them into the world.

Rev Suli highlighted the particular responsibility of the Uniting Church in Australia, where care for creation is closely connected with the Church’s commitment to First Nations justice.

“Here in Australia, our response begins on country,” she says. “Our covenant with Congress reminds us that justice for creation and justice for First Nations people are inseparable.”

With Australia holding the COP31 presidency, Rev Suli also reflected on the importance of listening to Pacific neighbours and advocating for climate justice. She will journey with Pacific churches in Tuvalu and Fiji in the lead-up to COP31, listening to their leadership and calls for climate justice.

Across the Uniting Church, work is already underway through the Assembly, synods, agencies, congregations and communities to strengthen commitments to care for creation, including action towards net zero emissions and solidarity with vulnerable communities.

Season of Creation runs from 1 September to 4 October, incorporating the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, the Feast of Creation and the Feast of St Francis of Assisi.

Rev Suli invites the Church to use this season to “pray, learn, act, and advocate”, trusting that the living water of Christ will renew us and flow through us, bringing healing and hope to all creation.