The Anglican Students’ Federation of Southern Africa (ASF) hosted its annual conference at St Bede’s Diocesan Centre in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, from 28 June to 3 July 2026. Students from across Southern Africa gathered for a week of worship, fellowship, leadership development, and renewed commitment to mission.
Living out the Anglican Communion’s Fifth Mark of Mission, “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, sustain and renew the life of the earth,” the conference was intentionally declared paperless and styrofoam-free. Working closely with the Diocese of Mthatha’s catering team, the provincial executive committee ensured that no single-use plastic utensils were used throughout the conference, demonstrating that environmental stewardship can be integrated into every aspect of church life.
In keeping with ASF tradition, Tuesday was dedicated to Caring for Creation. The day began with a meaningful Care for Creation Eucharist led by Revd Thembile Manene from the Gauteng Region, reminding delegates that caring for creation is an act of worship and faithful discipleship.
The Eucharist was followed by interactive presentations and activities facilitated by Mr Bonginkosi White, Diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinator, and Bino Makhalanyane, Green Anglicans Youth Coordinator. Bonginkosi challenged ANSOC members not to limit their environmental commitment to conference gatherings but to embody the Fifth Mark of Mission on their campuses, in student residences, and within their local Anglican Student Organisations (ANSOCs). Bino led an engaging session on eco-spirituality, encouraging delegates to deepen their relationship with God through the care of creation and to recognise environmental stewardship as an essential expression of Christian faith.
Delegates then participated in a range of creative learning activities, including an environmental crossword challenge, drama performances, poetry, and artistic presentations centred on caring for creation. These activities not only demonstrated the students’ understanding of environmental stewardship but also inspired practical, innovative, and enjoyable ways to address environmental challenges within their communities.
The conference concluded with the adoption of two significant environmental resolutions, reaffirming ASF’s commitment to climate justice and ecological stewardship.
Resolution 15/2026: Arise to Care for God’s Creation
Recognising that creation belongs to God and that humanity has been entrusted with its care, delegates resolved to make environmental stewardship an integral part of ASF’s witness and ministry.
Resolution 16/2026: Practical Climate Action
Acknowledging the increasing impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, delegates resolved to encourage practical environmental action across all ASF chapters.
To give effect to these resolutions, the conference committed to the following actions:
• Plant at least three trees at every Provincial and Regional Conference.
• Establish Eco-Clubs within ANSOCs.
• Organise campus and community clean-up campaigns.
• Promote recycling and sustainable lifestyles.
• Develop food gardens wherever possible to strengthen food security and resilience.
These resolutions reflect ASF’s growing commitment to integrating faith, environmental stewardship, and climate justice into its ministry, ensuring that young Anglicans become active custodians of God’s creation both on campus and in their communities.
Green Anglicans extends its sincere appreciation to Mr Siyabonga Mthethwa and the outgoing ASF Executive Committee for their steadfast commitment to caring for creation throughout their term of office. We also congratulate the newly elected Executive Committee, led by Refilwe Ferrelson, an Eco-Champion whose leadership promises to further strengthen ASF’s environmental witness across Southern Africa.
As ASF moves forward, these commitments demonstrate that caring for creation is not simply an activity but an essential part of the Church’s mission, empowering young Anglicans to become faithful stewards of God’s creation and agents of hope for a more just and sustainable future.
Edited by: Galaletsang Choane (Outgoing ASF MPO)
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