What could Nairobi, Kenya, and Southern Indiana, USA, possibly have in common? At first glance, not much—one a bustling African capital, the other a stretch of North American farmland. Yet this Season of Creation, both became vibrant spaces where people of faith gathered to pray, reflect, and take concrete action for our common home.
Across continents, the message is clear: faith, youth leadership, and ecological action go hand in hand.
Faith-Based climate action in Nairobi
From September 2–4, 2025, Nairobi hosted the Africa Peace and Environment Summit (APES), co-organized by Amani Communities Africa and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM) was honored to participate, aligning with partners like Mother Earth Network, the Franciscans, JPIC-FA, and CYNESA in promoting peace, climate justice, and integral human development.
The summit opened with a symbolic tree planting, led by Fr. Francis Mbuvi, marking the start of three days of dialogue, reflection, and action. Day 2 featured a procession of young leaders, including LSM’s Laudato Si’ Animators (LSAs), emphasizing youth leadership in environmental advocacy.
Highlights included:
- A university dialogue on renewable energy, showcasing fresh ideas from students and grassroots activists.
- Panels on the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures and the Just Transition, connecting faith-rooted ecological care to today’s climate challenges.
- A keynote by Wanjira Mathai on the crucial role of faith actors in climate justice.
LSM proudly ensured that around 10 young leaders could participate despite financial barriers, empowering voices like Gloria Munyiva, Brian Chacha, Bramwell Lubekho, Holiance Odhiambo, and Daniel Cirimwami. Their presence demonstrated how youth environmental leadership is shaping Africa’s faith-based climate movement.
The summit concluded with performances, awards, and celebrations, highlighting how collaboration across faiths, generations, and geographies drives meaningful change.
Pilgrimages for creation: Walking in prayer and advocacy
Meanwhile, in the United States, pilgrimages for creation have been bringing people together to experience spirituality and ecological reflection in action.
- Southern Indiana: On September 6, 135 pilgrims walked near cornfields, praying and reflecting on their connection with the land. Participants drew inspiration from local pilgrimage history, including the 1948 Fatima statue procession, and engaged with interactive reflections and prayers along the route.
- Washington State: Inspired by Indigenous leadership, pilgrimages here focus on keystone species like salmon, connecting participants to their bioregion. Organizers have even developed a 16-page toolkit to guide pilgrims in prayer, reflection, and ecological stewardship.
These pilgrimages exemplify how faith and ecology intersect in practical, deeply personal ways—reminding participants that care for creation begins in the communities and lands they inhabit.
A Global Movement Rooted in Faith
From Nairobi to Indiana, the Season of Creation 2025 is highlighting the transformative power of faith-driven environmental action. Summits, panels, and pilgrimages alike show how grassroots leadership and interfaith collaboration are shaping a future grounded in care for our common home, echoing the teachings of Laudato Si’.
Together, we are planting seeds—both literal and metaphorical—for climate justice, ecological stewardship, and lasting peace.