Rev Dennis Nthenge was invited by the Archbishop of Uganda to conduct a two day Eco-theology course in the Diocese of Kampala. The goal was to equip and commission lay and clergy to promote and practice stewardship of the environment. Rev. Dennis Nthenge Kiilu is the Chaplain to the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya and Coordinator of the Green Anglican Movement of All Saints Cathedral Diocese
50 members of the Diocese of Kampala attended the two day event which was opened by the Diocesan Secretary and took place on the 18th and 19th of July . The venue was the beautiful setting of Lweza Retreat Centre
The first day started with an introduction to Eco-theology and the Biblical basis for Creation Care. The next topic was understanding climate change and its impact on communities, with theological reflections on Climate justice and the prophetic role of the Church. Then we moved on to practical eco-theology, considering sustainable agricultural practices and waste management and recycling in a church context.
Participants then broke into groups to develop sermons and songs focused on creation care. These were presented and refined, fostering creativity and practical application of the training.
The second day focused on the practical side of the Green Anglicans movement, looking at case studies of successful eco-theological initiatives in the Green Anglican Movement Kenya. These were followed by group discussions on implementing eco-theology in local parishes.
This was followed by a session on Engagement and Advocacy, looking at strategies for community engagement and raising awareness as well as advocacy for climate action at local, national levels.
The final session was spent in developing action plans. Each participant created an action plan for implementing eco-theology principles in their home parishes.
The course ended with a commissioning where participants were commissioned to work for the Lord in caring for and protecting His creation.
The eco-theology training mission in Kampala was a significant success. The enthusiastic participation and commitment of the attendees underscore the vital role of the Church in addressing environmental issues. This mission has laid a strong foundation for ongoing eco-theological education and action within the Diocese of Kampala. The seeds have been sown for the launch of the Green Anglican Movement.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda for the invitation to his diocese of Kampala, a special thanks to Rev. Canon Rachel Mash and my sponsors who purchased the return air ticket and the church leadership at Lweza Training and Conference Center for their unwavering support. Your investment in this mission is already yielding fruit, and I am confident it will continue to inspire and effect positive change in the stewardship of God’s creation. Additionally, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Rev. Chrysostom Akwetch Manager of the institution and Richard Erasto Coordinator of the Green Anglican Movement in Kampala Diocese for their kindness in hosting me and going out of their way to make my time in the Diocese of Kampala comfortable.
Next Steps will involve continued support and follow-up with the trained members, through WhatsApp platform, to ensure the implementation of their action plans. This will be followed by planning additional training sessions and expanding the initiative to other dioceses.
Rev. Dennis Nthenge Kiilu
