Following the final approval of two new liturgical observances at the July 2026 Group of Sessions of the General Synod, the Liturgical Commission has published a circular which provides background and practical guidance relating to these observances.
The Festival of Creation in Christ
This new Festival, assigned to the first Sunday in September each year, is one of the fruits of a growing ecumenical movement across churches worldwide and offers an opportunity for Christians to give thanks for God's creation and redemption of the world, to reflect on humanity's responsibility to care for the natural world and to pray for its renewal. The title ‘Creation in Christ’ emphasises that creation is understood through the person and work of Jesus Christ: created through him, sustained in him and destined for renewal in him.
Full liturgical provision for the Holy Communion and for Morning and Evening Prayer has now been authorised by the General Synod. It may be found in the Circular below and in the forthcoming Second Edition of A Time for Creation: liturgical resources for creation and the environment, due to be published in August.
The Commemoration of the Twenty-One Martyrs of Libya
The Twenty-One Martyrs of Libya were targeted specifically for their Christian identity and refused to renounce Christ despite the threat of death. They died with the name of Jesus on their lips. They will be remembered on 15 February as a Commemoration in the Common Worship Calendar, and included in subsequent printings of the Calendar and Lectionary.
Commemorations do not have a special Collect, readings, or other texts. They do not replace the usual weekday provision. They are, instead, made by a mention in prayers of intercession and thanksgiving.
Download the circular with background and practical guidance from the Liturgical Commission.
