Bino Teboho Makhalanyane

On Saturday, 7 March 2026, the Diocese of the Free State marked a meaningful step in its commitment to environmental stewardship through the Green Anglican movement by distributing trees to archdeaconries across the Diocese. The initiative formed part of a collaborative effort between the Church and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, which generously donated 50 trees to support the Diocese’s environmental mission. The trees were presented during a gathering of the College of Lay Ministers, where leaders from different archdeaconries were in attendance. The donation symbolised more than a simple act of planting trees. It represented a shared responsibility between faith communities and society to care for the earth and protect the environment for future generations. To ensure the donation’s impact reached communities throughout the Diocese, the 50 trees were carefully divided among the archdeaconries, with each archdeaconry receiving five trees. These trees will be planted in parishes across the different regions, serving both as environmental contributions and as visible reminders of the Church’s commitment to caring for creation. During the distribution, eco-champ Ikaelelo Kgomotso Madikgetla,  gave a short presentation to the archdeaconry chairpersons as they received the trees. The presentation examined the theological significance of environmental care in the Christian faith and highlighted the role of church leaders in encouraging sustainable practices in their parishes. Participants were reminded that environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in Scripture and Christian responsibility. As the trees were handed over, a message accompanied the moment, drawing from the biblical mandate found in Genesis 2:15, which calls humanity to care for the earth: “The Lord took the human and put him in the garden to till it and keep it.” The message encouraged recipients to see the planting and nurturing of the trees as a symbol of their ministry. As they care for the trees in their parishes, they are reminded that ministry itself is also about cultivating life, nurturing communities, and ensuring that future generations inherit a world that is cared for and protected. The initiative was warmly received by the archdeaconry leadership, who expressed appreciation for the partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The distribution of the trees is expected to inspire parishes to take further steps toward environmental awareness and sustainable practices within their communities. Through actions such as these, the Diocese of the Free State continues to embody the spirit of the Green Anglican movement, demonstrating that faith and environmental responsibility are deeply connected. By planting these trees, the Church not only contributes to ecological restoration but also plants seeds of awareness, responsibility, and hope within its communities. As these trees take root and grow across the Diocese, they will stand as living symbols of the Church’s commitment to caring for God’s creation and ensuring that ministry continues to bear fruit in both spiritual and environmental ways. Article prepared by: Eco-Champ  Ikaelelo Kgomotso Madikgetla  

On Saturday, 28 February 2026, members of the St Francis Servers Guild from the Diocese of the Free State gathered at the Church of the Resurrection for their Annual Diocesan Council Meeting. Guided by the Diocesan mission and vision of Serving The Broken World, the servers moved beyond discussion into action. Members participated in a community outreach initiative, cleaning the yard of a local resident as a practical expression of their faith. The message shared with young people and those in attendance was clear and compelling: “We are called not only to worship, but to serve. By taking time to care for our surroundings, we actively contribute to healing a broken world. Keeping our environment clean is a simple yet powerful step toward addressing environmental crises, and it reminds us that meaningful change begins with collective action and shared responsibility”, said Eco-Champ Puleng Ntlatseng. By working together to restore dignity and cleanliness in the community, the servers embodied their calling to be servants of hope and healing in a broken world.

On Saturday, 28 February 2026, members of the Brotherhood of St Andrew Men’s and Youth Guild from the Diocese of Free State gathered at St Paul Anglican Church for their Annual General Meeting. During the meeting, Eco-Champ Mogorosi Molisapoli, (Diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinator), addressed the Brotherhood on the theme of Caring for Creation. He highlighted the Restoration 2026: Fix Carbon Fast initiative, spoke about pressing environmental challenges, and called on members to repent and to renew their commitment to stewarding God’s creation faithfully and responsibly. At the conclusion of the meeting, members of the Brotherhood of St Andrew presented trees to the incumbent, Archdeacon Morata, and the churchwarden of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Ficksburg. The trees symbolised their shared commitment to safeguarding creation and renewing the life of the earth. Special appreciation was extended to the Diocesan Chaplain, Revd Matee, and the Diocesan President, Brother Maqalika, for inviting the Green Anglicans and for their commitment to promoting the care of creation among men and youth within the Diocese.

On Saturday, 21 February 2026, the Diocesan Servers Guild from the Diocese of Grahamstown gathered at the Cathedral of St Michael and St George to commemorate St Vincent of Saragossa. As part of the celebration, the Diocesan Mothers’ Union donated a tree as a symbol of environmental responsibility and care for creation. The initiative aimed to teach the children and Servers the importance of loving and protecting the earth, nurturing a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship within the life of the Church. Following the service, members of the Servers Guild, together with the Diocesan Bishop, planted the tree within the cathedral grounds. The occasion concluded with the Bishop’s special blessing of the tree, committing the act to God and affirming the Church’s responsibility to safeguard creation.  

On Mothering Sunday (22 February 2026), we, as the Mothers Union from St Dunstan’s Cathedral in Benoni, Diocese of Highveld, took part in a special environmental activity, planting trees and flowers in our Garden of Remembrance. This garden is a meaningful place where we remember and honour loved ones, which made the day even more special. The purpose of this event was to care for our environment while also celebrating mothers and showing appreciation for nature. By planting trees and flowers in the Garden of Remembrance, we not only made the area more beautiful but also created a peaceful and respectful space for reflection. Planting trees is important because trees provide oxygen, reduce pollution, give shade, and help prevent soil erosion. The flowers we planted will attract bees and butterflies, which help with pollination and support the ecosystem. Everyone worked together by digging holes, planting, watering the plants, and cleaning the area afterwards. It was a meaningful way to celebrate Mothering Sunday because just like mothers care for their children, we showed care for our environment and honoured special memories. In conclusion, the tree and flower planting in the Garden of Remembrance was a successful and heartfelt activity. It promoted environmental awareness while also strengthening our sense of remembrance and unity. By  Mme.Thandi Mkhonza (Mothers Union Eco-Champ of Diocese of Highveld)  

On Saturday, 28 February 2026, members of the Anglican Women Fellowship (AWF) and Mafumahadi from Mangaung in Bloemfontein gathered for a meaningful environmental awareness visit to the Free State National Botanical Garden. The day offered a space for reflection, learning, and renewed commitment to environmental stewardship during the Lenten season. A Call to Reflection Lay Canon Thapelo Mabule called on participants to engage in deep self-introspection during Lent, encouraging Anglicans to reflect on their personal responsibility for environmental conservation. He reminded those in attendance that the environment sustains human life by providing essential resources such as food, water, and natural materials; without it, life would not be possible. Learning from Nature Mr and Mrs Ngalo guided participants through insightful lessons on biodiversity. They highlighted the importance of indigenous trees, including the yellowwood — South Africa’s national tree, known for being evergreen, slow-growing, and among the tallest trees in the country’s forests. Participants also learned about: Medicinal and fragrant plants Succulents Plants of spiritual significance, such as Ziziphus mucronata The discussion explored alien invasive species, including blue gum and wattle trees, noting their negative impact on water resources while acknowledging their commercial value in construction and furniture manufacturing. Fossilised trees formed through ancient volcanic activity were also identified, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich geological history. Protecting Ecosystems The vital role of wetlands in purifying water and conserving ecosystems was emphasised, alongside the urgent need to protect them. Climate change was identified as a contributing factor to species extinction, heatwaves, and floods, underscoring the responsibility of individuals and communities to take meaningful action. Participants further gained insight into: The ecological importance of snakes in maintaining biodiversity The significance of the grassland biome Controlled burning practices are used to preserve grassland ecosystems Advocacy for Present and Future Generations Ikaelelo Madikgetla underscored the importance of environmental advocacy across various platforms, including the Church, municipalities, Conferences of the Parties (COP), and other organisations. She emphasised that while the environment cannot speak for itself, humanity must be its voice for the sake of both present and future generations. A big thank you to the organizer, Mme Mdi, expressed , all participants for a fruitful and enriching day.  By : Eco-Champ Tshegofatso Lekgetho