Ash Wednesday Declaration – one year on
It is one year since Operation Noah launched the Ash Wednesday Declaration. This challenges Christians and the church to realise that care for God’s creation – and concern about climate change – is foundational to the Christian gospel and central to the church’s mission. It was signed by many prominent church leaders.
The Declaration is framed around seven biblical themes and asserts that to be a Christian is to accept the call to radical discipleship through our witness, service and advocacy for care of God’s creation. It sets out the need for urgent action in recognition that the growing threat of climate change is one of the most significant moral issues facing us today. Scientific research makes it clear that time is running out. Alarm bells are ringing around the world. All of us are needed to play our part in protecting our fragile earth!
Operation Noah would like to call our supporters to help us mark this anniversary. Here is a prayer that has been written specifically for use in services on Ash Wednesday and during Lent. Please encourage people to use this in your churches. Don’t forget that there is also an excellent Lent course based on the Ash Wednesday Declaration, for use with home groups or as individuals.
Prayer for Ash Wednesday
'Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that is, loving Father of us all, in whose hands are the depths of the earth and the heights of the mountains, and in whom we live and move and have our being; at your command all things came to be, from the vast expanse of stellar space to this fragile earth, our home. We give you thanks for your creation as gift of your love. We grieve over the devastation and pollution caused through our selfishness, and we repent of our sin. In Christ your Son you make all things new. We pray for grace to respond to your call for justice, and for your love to be shown in our love for our neighbours throughout your world and for generations yet to be born. Help us in our responsibility of care for your creation, in sharing your gifts, and working for a just and sustainable economy. Strengthen us in the hope that all things are in your hands. Help us to live and work in hope, in response to your gift and in the light of your Kingdom.'