Feast of the Universe: An Interfaith Sourcebook of Ecological Spirituality from the World's Cultures and Religions

Feast of the Universe is a book filled with liturgies, prayers, and worship resources drawn from around the world, including the "Season of Creation" (which was just approved by the last General Convention of the Episcopal Church). The resources gathered here are designed to celebrate the earth and our care for it. In compiling Feast of the Universe, Anne Rowthorn is responding to the movement of the Creator Spirit and directly addressing Wangari Matthai's pointed and timely questions "We have the moral responsibility to protect God's garden. Why is it that we do not take action? Why is it that the Church cannot take this message to the pulpit?" The first seven chapters of this book contain a rich collection of all the elements needed for an ample celebration of creation and of the environment entrusted to the care of those who depend upon it for their very existence. The final chapter provides listings of hymns, themes and references, biblical and extra-biblical, to enrich these occasions of worship. Since more than an occasional prayer or liturgy will be needed for a change in consciousness Feast of the Universe provides "Season of Creation" which begins on September first, the Day of Creation in the Orthodox calendar, and runs for six Sundays. It covers the time of traditional harvest festivals and the Blessing of Animals on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, on October fourth.