For the first time, churches are able to invite people who are being baptised and confirmed to make pledges to care for the planet as part of their baptismal vows.
Care for creation is an important part of being a Christian and this new wording at the heart of the statement of faith reflects that importance.
In a baptism and a confirmation service, people are traditionally asked whether they promise to continue with prayers and communion, commit to serving others and seek peace and justice.
Now the addition of a new line will bring our commitment to the environment to the fore of what it means to be a committed Christian.
Please do introduce this wording as part of your local services. If you are working on an Eco Church award, this will fit under the worship and teaching heading.
The new wording is
Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth?
With the help of God I will
The full commission we will use now reads:
Those who are baptised are called to worship and serve God.
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all people, loving your neighbour as yourself?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you acknowledge Christ’s authority over human society, by prayer for the world
and its leaders, by defending the weak, and by seeking peace and justice?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth?
With the help of God I will
May Christ dwell in your heart(s) through faith, that you may be rooted and grounded in love and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit. Amen.
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