Last month, we reflected on alternative economic models that place people and planet at the centre of our systems. This month, we turn our attention to the political sphere and the shared responsibility we hold as citizens and people of faith.
In Northern Ireland, we are acutely aware of the environmental threats facing our communities. The ongoing crisis at Lough Neagh is a stark reminder of the consequences of regulatory neglect. Alongside this, grassroots communities continue to campaign courageously to protect our natural heritage—from the vital defence of our landscape by Save Our Sperrins, to the firm opposition against the Whitehead Oil Terminal proposal and efforts to protect Benbradagh. These campaigns remind us that environmental protection is a matter of urgent justice, health, and the common good.
A representative from Join the Dots Together attended the recent 21st Gathering and returned with mixed emotions: deeply moved by the spirit of community solidarity, yet dismayed by the sheer number of environmental risks facing our island. What the gathering made clear is that we cannot leave the burden of defence to local campaigns alone. We must elevate these local struggles into structural, political change.
One way to do this is through the National Emergency Briefing, its accompanying film and the campaign calling for a peak-time national television broadcast to communicate the extent of the climate crisis and importantly potential solutions, to a wider audience. Greenpeace and other organizations have already hosted successful local screenings. You can find all the resources to get involved here: www.nebriefing.org.
July marks the celebration of Muslim Climate Action Week, an inspiring initiative bringing together faith and environmental stewardship. Take the opportunity during this week to read and reflect on Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth. This historic global document restates the ecological principles of Islam, emphasizing the divine balance (mīzān) of creation and our duty as stewards. It is a beautiful parallel to Christian ecological teachings and a powerful tool for interfaith solidarity. You can read and download the full text at www.almizan.earth.
Season of Creation
The Season of Creation is an annual Christian observance that takes place from September 1st to October 4th. It is a time when Christians around the world come together to pray, reflect, and take action on caring for the environment and addressing ecological concerns. The observance begins on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (September 1st) and concludes on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), the patron saint of ecology in the Catholic tradition. The Season encourages prayer, education, and advocacy for environmental stewardship. Read more about the Season of Creation » More (Tuesday 1 September – Sunday 4 October 2026), is coming up! This annual ecumenical window of prayer and action is our collective opportunity to care for our common home. Rather than waiting until the first of September to think about it, we invite you to start organising now. Reach out to neighbouring churches, form ecumenical groups and map out coordinated plans for prayer, education, and, don’t forget, public advocacy. Learn more here: www.seasonofcreation.org
We will not be producing a newsletter during August, but our website and events calendar will be updated continuously. We look forward to walking this shared journey of hope, courage, and political action with you in the months ahead.
The Join the Dots Together Steering Group