Nampula: Over a hundred Christians from diverse denominations gathered recently in Nampula, northern Mozambique, for an Ecumenical Worship marking the Season of Creation, a celebration inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. The event brought together Catholics, members of the Evangelical Church of Christ in Mozambique, the Salvation Army, and other Christian communities to pray, reflect, and commit to caring for God’s creation. Beyond spiritual renewal, the assembly also highlighted the urgent need for peace in the conflict-affected Cabo Delgado Province.
The gathering in Nampula, the country’s third-largest city, emphasized the inseparable link between faith and environmental stewardship. Rafael Pedro, a representative of the Laudato Si’ movement, described the assembly as “a moment for collective prayer and renewed commitment to caring for the Earth our common home.” Participants engaged in prayer, the proclamation of Scripture, and hymns celebrating both peace and ecological responsibility, fostering a spirit of unity across denominations.
Pastor Castelo Manuel Bitao of the Evangelical Church of Christ in Mozambique reminded attendees that “creation was entrusted to humans to be cared for and respected, but unfortunately, it continues to be exploited and abused.” Arthur Armando, delegate of the Christian Council of Mozambique, added that true peace is not limited to the absence of human conflict; it also requires harmony between humanity and nature.
The service also served as a platform to raise awareness of environmental degradation, including wildfires, pollution, and unsustainable industrial practices that threaten life and human dignity. Religious leaders called upon citizens to actively commit to environmental protection, viewing it as a moral and spiritual responsibility aligned with Christian teachings.
A significant portion of the gathering focused on the ongoing violence in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, where armed conflict has caused immense suffering. Church representatives lamented the high toll of human life and stressed the importance of dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable solutions to restore hope for affected families. They emphasized that genuine peace must encompass reconciliation among humans, harmony with God, and respect for the natural world.
The ecumenical service in Nampula was more than a moment of prayer; it was a symbol of solidarity, shared responsibility, and hope. By combining appeals for environmental stewardship with calls for peace, the gathering underscored the Church’s role in promoting holistic well-being spiritual, social, and ecological at a time when both creation and human communities face unprecedented challenges.