Religious leaders and members of local faith communities
filled the sanctuary of Shiloh Old Site Baptist Church in
Fredericksburg Sept. 1, the day that Pope Francis declared
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
The first day of the Orthodox Church’s new year has been a
day of prayer for creation since Patriarch Dimitrios’
declaration in 1989. The patriarch spoke of his concern that
“the abuse by contemporary man of his privileged position in
the creation and of the Creator’s order to him ‘to have
dominion over the earth’ (Gen 1: 28), has already led the
world to the edge of apocalyptic self-destruction.”
Themes from the evening of prayer and reflection included how
man has turned this dominion into selfishly treating God’s
creation as a commodity; man’s obligation to provide the care
upon which all God’s creatures depend; and asking God to give
us new eyes to see, new ears to hear and new hands to care
for the chorus of creation which is our gift and our charge.
Following a welcome from Shiloh pastor, Rev. Aaron Dobynes,
Father John Katsoulis, pastor of Nativity of the Theotokos
Greek Orthodox Church, gave a teaching on the intention of
the day. Atonement Friar Father Jim Gardiner, regional
representative of the Catholic Association of Diocesan
Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers, spoke on Pope
Francis’ declaration.
Imam Sheikh Lamptey of Imani Cultural Center and Rev. Brenda
Biler, pastor of Fredericksburg United Methodist Church spoke
on the teachings of Muslim and other Christian traditions on
care for the environment. The evening concluded with a litany
of prayer for reconciliation with God and the environment.
The event marked a remarkable moment in ecumenical dialogue.
Following the pope’s announcement Aug. 12 of the day of
prayer, Father Gardiner called to ask if any commemorating
events would be held locally. With none planned, it seemed
that there would not be enough time to put something
together. However, Pastor Gay Rahn of St. George Episcopal
Church and Pastor Dobynes contacted the rectory at St. Mary
Church, asking what we were planning to do in response to
Pope Francis’ announcement.
Thanks to them the evening became a reality.
Fr. Rooney is pastor of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception
Church in Fredericksburg.
