World Environment Day 2024

Bright pink azalea flowers

On this World Environment Day 2024 we reflect on the interconnectedness of Creation and invite you to join us at our Environment related weeks on Iona and Mull.

Behold the Coastal Alabama azalea in its full springtime glory! She blooms in mid-March around the Spring equinox and shares her fleeting beauty for about a month until the hard rains of April disrobe her.  

Two of our beloved canine companions rest eternally below her, embraced in her root mass. She is the year-round home of the residential Carolina wrens and the vacation home of migratory cardinals visiting from the Neotropics.  

An occasional wood thrush passing through enjoys her hospitality. It’s not just birds that find refuge in her boughs though, small green anole lizards share her branches throughout the year and bumblebees visit her blooms each Spring.  

Every creature she shelters accepts its obligation in relations to all the others. All are busy at the work of the Kingdom.

This Coastal Alabama azalea demonstrates our interconnectedness. Philosopher Alfred North Whitehead reminds us that “Relations are what a thing IS.” The theologian Richard Rohr underscores this truth, highlighting that our holiness is measured by the depth of our connections—with both humans and the natural world.

An Earth and Environment Day Prayer 

Triune God, we praise your handiwork, your design
and renew our vow to cherish and honour all creatures here below.
We accept our obligation to respect each linkage in your web of life
and enter into the bond of love by which the Holy Spirit
lifts us into relationship, service and humility.
In your name, and in the Wholeness of your grandeur,
we pray that your will be done. Amen

Ran Nisbett, moderator of the Iona Community Environment Common Concern Network.

Why not book your place on a creative and engaging environment themed week on Iona or Mull:

Deepen your journey into inter-connectedness with all of Creation. Join us at Iona Abbey or at Camas outdoor Centre on the Isle of Mull for one of these immersive and energising environment themed weeks: 

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Time and Space (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life and enjoy the rugged beauty of Iona.

  • Time and Space (FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Youth Fest

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore faith, justice, and community through creativity, conversation, and connection at Iona Abbey. (YouthFest is for groups of 14 - 17 year olds).

  • Family Week

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    We warmly welcome families of all shapes and sizes to gather at Iona Abbey for a week of fun, creativity, and adventure on our beautiful island.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Time and Space (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Sound and Vision – Creativity Week (FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join us for a week of late summer invention and creation. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy readings, workshops, music, poetry, art and storytelling. Come to celebrate, learn, and explore, surrounded by Iona’s stunning natural beauty.

  • Time and Space (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Time and Space (limited availability)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • John Bell – Weathering the Storm (FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore how we can draw on our faith resources to navigate the unique personal and political challenges of the 2020s. With John Bell.

  • Hopeful Imagination – Alastair McIntosh (fully booked)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Alastair McIntosh, renowned environmental activist and writer, will lead this week exploring how Celtic spirituality can inspire both imaginative reflection and practical action.

  • Festival of Writing and Storytelling (FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join our Festival of Writing and Storytelling. Explore various creative processes, develop your literary skills, and enjoy fireside readings and storytelling. For writers and story enthusiasts of all ages.

  • Politics, Power and Protest

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    In an era of political polarisation and growing extremism, this week will be an opportunity to explore how we can engage well with politics in pursuit of justice and peace.

  • Contemplation in Community – with Stephen Wright (FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Curious about contemplation? Experienced in the practice? We invite you to join us for this special week of contemplation in community with experienced facilitator, Stephen Wright.

  • Winter Work Week (FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Come and help us prepare Iona Abbey Centre for a rest, at the end of the 2026 season. This week is for energetic people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. This week is available at a discounted rate.

  • Stillness in Community

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join Quaker, and Iona Community Leader Ruth Harvey, for some days of gentle, stilling contemplative practices in the beauty of an Iona winter.

  • Spring Work Week 2027

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join the Iona Abbey Work Week and help prepare the Abbey for the season ahead. A week of practical work, worship, community and shared purpose.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Time and Space 3 Nights

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Experience Easter on Iona

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Journey through Holy Week and celebrate Easter on Iona. A week of worship, reflection and community at Iona Abbey.

  • Time and Space 3 Nights

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Moving in a Just World

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore movement, justice and community through dance, reflection and conversation at Iona Abbey. No dance experience needed.

  • John Bell: Adventures in Eden

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore ancient stories which speak into the age we live in and the faith we share with John Bell. Bookings for this week are currently on hold; please keep a look out on the website for updates.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Praying in Flesh and Bone

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore prayer through breath, movement and reflection at Iona Abbey. A thoughtful Christian retreat for spiritual growth and renewal.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Please note, this Time and Space week is already fully booked through a partner organisation – more information soon.

  • Columba Week 2027

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore, with Simon de Voil, the life and legacy of Saint Columba through reflection, sacred music, discussion and contemplative practice on Iona.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Active Hope

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore how we respond to suffering, injustice and the climate crisis through reflection, creativity, community and spiritual practice.

  • Experiencing Nature

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Discover birds, plants and wildlife on Iona while exploring ecology and spirituality through observation, story and reflection.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Chasing the Wind – Wild Goose Resource Group

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Discover creative and participatory worship through music, prayer, storytelling and community with the Wild Goose Resource Group.

  • YouthFest

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    A week-long Christian youth retreat for 14–17 year olds, combining adventure, friendship, creativity and community on Iona.

  • Community Week 2027

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    A special week for Members of the Iona Community to gather together on the Isle of Iona. Note this week is only open to Members.

  • Families Week 2027

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    We warmly welcome families of all shapes and sizes to gather at Iona Abbey for a week of fun, creativity, and adventure on our beautiful island.

  • Singing Week 2027

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join a week of community singing, music and spirituality, sharing songs from around the world and the Iona Community.

  • Young Adults Week 2027

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join us for a week of connection and creativity as we explore how to find hope and build change as young adults. Open to anyone aged 18-35.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Refuge & The Resistance of Joy

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join the UNESCO Chair for Refugee Integration team in this peace and justice retreat exploring refuge, creativity, joy and community in challenging times.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

  • Followers of The Way

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore prayer, reflection and spiritual practices on a reflective Christian retreat at Iona Abbey.

  • Queer Joy: Identity, Faith and Ritual

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    An LGBTQ+ faith retreat exploring queer identity, spirituality, ritual and joyful community.

  • John Bell: Adventures in Eden

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore ancient stories which speak into the age we live in and the faith we share with John Bell. Bookings for this week are currently on hold; please keep a look out on the website for updates.

Join a Common Concern Network

Interested in faith and social justice? You're in the right place.

Common Concern Networks are open to all Iona Community Members and Associate Members.

Explore our website to find out more about our passion for social justice and our membership.

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