Bino Teboho Makhalanyane

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) hosted a three-day conference from 27–29 August 2026 at UNISA in Pretoria under the theme “The Role of Faith Communities in Preventing Gender-Based Violence.” The conference brought together faith leaders, civil society organisations, academics and activists to address GBV and strengthen community-based responses. One of the significant presentations was delivered by Ms Boipelo Mojapelo, a member of Green Anglicans and the Climate YES movement, who examined the relationship between climate change and gender dynamics, showing how it can deepen existing inequalities. She illustrated that when water, food, land, and other essential resources become scarce, women and girls may shoulder greater responsibility for meeting household needs. Climate-related disasters can also lead to displacement, loss of livelihoods and disruption of social support networks. These pressures can increase vulnerability to violence and make it more difficult for survivors to access support. At the end of the presentation, the conference emphasised that climate change is not only an environmental concern but also a justice and gender issue. And that faith communities have an important role in responding by creating safe spaces, supporting survivors, challenging harmful social norms and promoting gender equality. The conference concluded on 29 August with a solidarity walk from UNISA to the Union Buildings, where delegates, church members, and community allies walked together to advocate for climate justice, policy enforcement and stronger judicial responses to violence against women and children.   Upon arrival at the Union Buildings, faith leaders, including Revd Rachel Mash from the Green Anglicans, formally handed over a detailed memorandum of demands to the Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who is a Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities of South Africa. By: Duduzile Koko Photo Credit: SACC

On Saturday, the 8th of August, the Diocese of Khahlamba Diocesan Mothers’ Union celebrated Mary Sumner Day in honour of its founder, Mary Sumner. The celebration in attendance was the Diocesan Bishop, The Right Revd Bishop Sibeko, clergy, Mothers’ Union members from the nine Archdeaconries of the Diocese, as well as members of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship, Bernard Mizeki Guild, Mary Magdalene, Youth and Servers. As part of aligning its activities with the Fifth Mark of Mission of the Anglican Communion, which calls the Church “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth,” the Mothers’ Union Executive resolved to make the celebration an opportunity to take practical action for the environment. To mark Mary Sumner Day, the Mothers’ Union distributed 50 indigenous trees and 950 vegetable seedlings to be planted across the Diocese. The initiative forms part of the Mothers’ Union’s commitment to caring for creation, promoting food security and encouraging sustainable environmental practices within families and communities. The Diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinator, Akhona Mzalisi, also addressed the gathering and shared valuable information on the importance of caring for and protecting the environment. The discussion encouraged Mothers’ Union members and the wider Church community to recognise their responsibility as Christians to become good stewards of God’s creation. The Archdeaconries committed themselves to ensuring that the initiative produces a lasting impact. They agreed to: We give thanks to God for a successful and meaningful celebration. Special appreciation is extended to Bishop Sibeko, the sponsors and the Diocesan coordinators for their valuable support and contribution towards making the day a success. Through this initiative, the Diocesan Mothers’ Union continues to demonstrate that caring for creation is an important expression of Christian faith and service. By: Nobongoza P ( Diocesan MU Eco-Champ)

Eight representatives from the Mothers’ Union of the Dioceses of Pretoria and Johannesburg attended a Farming God’s Way workshop held from 19 to 21 August 2026 at Community Ministries Church, Drift Boulevard, Muldersdrift. The three-day workshop, which ran from 08:45 to 16:00 each day, was supported by Green Anglicans and aimed to equip participants with a practical and God-centred response to the challenges of food insecurity in communities affected by climate-related factors. Farming God’s Way provides an approach to agriculture that combines biblical principles, good management practices and appropriate agricultural techniques. From the first day, participants gained valuable knowledge through a programme that combined both theoretical learning and practical application, all rooted in biblical teachings. One of the key lessons was recognising God as the Master Farmer and Creator. Participants reflected on the biblical teaching that, from the beginning, God entrusted humanity with the responsibility to work the land and care for the garden He created. This reminded participants that human beings have a responsibility to protect and care for the soil and the earth. The workshop also explored practical ways to care for the soil using locally available, reusable materials. Participants learned about the importance of using grass as “God’s blanket” (mulching) to protect the soil and plants, as well as other materials such as wood ash. Over three days, participants were introduced to the three important foundations of Farming God’s Way: Biblical principles, Management, and Technology. Practical demonstrations included vegetable garden layouts, land preparation, planting seedlings and seeds, crop rotation, and vegetable planting using correct measurements and techniques. One of the most meaningful moments of the workshop was the prayer session held in the garden. Participants reflected on the importance of placing God at the centre of their farming activities. They learned that before working with the soil and planting seeds, it is important to pray and ask God to bless the garden and to provide an abundant harvest of fresh, healthy produce. The representatives expressed their gratitude to the Province and Green Anglicans for their continued support and commitment to empowering communities through environmentally sustainable and faith-based initiatives. At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants committed themselves to becoming God’s ambassadors for sustainable food production and environmental stewardship. They agreed to cascade the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop to Mothers’ Union members and other community members across the parishes and throughout the Dioceses of Pretoria and Johannesburg.

From 20 to 23 August 2026, the Mothers’ Union of the Diocese of Mthatha brought its Plastic Free July campaign to a conclusion during the Mothers’ Union 17th Biennial Conference. The conference provided an opportunity for members to showcase their recycling, creativity and practical environmental action. A total of 20 stalls, representing the different Archdeaconries, were set up at the conference. The stalls displayed a wide range of recycled and creative products, highlighting the talents, skills and resourcefulness of Mothers’ Union members. Through these activities, the women demonstrated that materials often regarded as waste can be transformed into useful and creative products. As part of the conference’s environmental activities, 11 fruit trees were donated by the Mzimvubu Archdeaconry to the Zimbane Archdeaconry. The trees included banana, mango, avocado, guava and peach varieties. The conference also created an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of environmental stewardship. Dr Buso, an Environmental Planner from OR Tambo Municipality, was invited to provide education and guidance on environmental matters. Dr Buso spoke about the relationship between the internal and external environment, explaining that the two work together and influence one another. He encouraged participants to develop a deeper understanding of God’s creation, emphasising that greater knowledge of the environment should lead to greater respect, protection and conservation of nature. The 17th Biennial Conference was more than a gathering of the Mothers’ Union. It was a celebration of creativity, environmental responsibility and the commitment of women across the Diocese of Mthatha to care for creation and sustain the life of the earth.

On 18 August 2026, we gathered in Bloemfontein, Free State, in solidarity with the Africa Climate Alliance (ACA) at a particularly significant moment for South Africa’s climate justice movement. The gathering came as the government pursued its appeal against the landmark #CancelCoal judgment, which challenged plans for additional coal-fired electricity generation. For us, the timing of the solidarity event was a reminder that climate change is not simply an environmental issue. It is a question of justice, human dignity, health and the future we leave for generations to come. Why Does This Matter to Young People? For young people, the climate crisis is not a distant possibility. We are already living with its consequences, and we will carry them for the longest. Decisions made today about energy, development and the environment will shape the South Africa we inherit tomorrow. The #CancelCoal case has therefore become more than a legal battle over electricity generation. It represents a wider question: Do young people have a meaningful voice in decisions that determine the future we will live in? Our presence at the solidarity event reflected our refusal to remain passive. We believe young people must be part of conversations about climate policy, energy, development and environmental justice. We are not simply “leaders of tomorrow”. We are citizens of today, and our voices deserve to be heard today. What Does It Mean for a Church Environmental Network? For Green Anglican, the environmental network of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, being present at a climate justice gathering is an important expression of our ministry. Our faith teaches us that creation is not merely a resource for human consumption. It is something entrusted to us. Therefore, caring for creation must extend beyond what happens within our church buildings. Green Anglican’s presence represents a Church willing to engage with the realities facing communities beyond the sanctuary. It reminds us that environmental ministry includes advocacy, education, action and solidarity, alongside practical initiatives such as reducing waste, planting trees and encouraging sustainable living. Being present alongside the Africa Climate Alliance also creates an opportunity for the Church to listen and learn from movements that are already doing important work in the climate justice space. For us, this is what Green Anglican should represent: a faith community that does not only pray for creation, but actively works to protect it. Faith Must Become Action There is something powerful about a church environmental network standing alongside young climate activists. It demonstrates that faith and environmental justice are not competing ideas. Caring for creation is an expression of caring for people. The communities most vulnerable to environmental degradation are often those with the fewest resources to protect themselves from its consequences. Climate justice therefore requires us to ask not only what is happening to the environment? but also who is affected, who benefits and who carries the cost? This is where the Church has an important role to play. Our theology calls us towards stewardship, but stewardship must be accompanied by responsibility. We cannot speak about loving our neighbours while ignoring the environmental conditions that affect their health, livelihoods and futures. What Does This Reflect About Us? Our presence in Bloemfontein reflected a generation that is becoming increasingly conscious of its responsibility. It reflected our willingness to listen, to learn and to stand with others whose struggles are connected to our own. It also reflected a Church that recognises that faith must be lived beyond the walls of the sanctuary. Climate justice asks us to move from prayer to action, from awareness to advocacy and from concern to solidarity. We may not have the power to make every decision, but we have the power to ask questions, to organise, to educate, to participate and to demand accountability. The solidarity event reminded us that the climate movement is ultimately about people and the kind of future we are willing to build. For Green Anglicans, this is a call to continue strengthening the relationship between faith, young people and environmental justice. We have been entrusted with creation, but we have also been entrusted with one another. To care for one without caring for the other is to misunderstand both our faith and our responsibility. As young people, as people of faith and as members of Green Anglican, we therefore choose solidarity. We choose to speak. We choose to participate. We choose to care. And we choose to believe that a just, sustainable and God-honouring future is still worth fighting for. By I. Madikgetla, T. Lekgetho and O. Sepato ( Green Anglicans eco-champs)

On Saturday, 15 August 2026, the newly inducted Executive Committee of the Central University of Technology (CUT) Anglican Student Society  (ANSOC) welcomed the Green Anglican Movement during their induction session held at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein.  The engagement, facilitated by Mr. Mogorosi Molisapoli, Green Anglicans Coordinator for the Diocese of Free State, was held under the theme, “Understanding Green Anglicans.” The session introduced student leaders to the Green Anglican Movement and explored the biblical call to care for creation, particularly the mandate to “till and keep” God’s creation. Participants reflected on environmental stewardship as an expression of Christian faith and the responsibility of the Church and young people to respond to the environmental crisis. The discussion highlighted Green Anglicans’ commitment to sustainable living, waste reduction, recycling, responsible consumption, prayer, education and environmental awareness. Attention was given to reducing plastic pollution and phasing out Styrofoam at church events, conferences and student gatherings. In a significant demonstration of commitment, the newly elected ANSOC EXCO immediately appointed an ANSOC eco-champ to serve as a link with the Diocesan Green Anglican team. This marks an important step towards integrating creation care into student ministry at CUT. The day was well-received, with enthusiasm and a strong spirit of partnership. As ANSOC prepares for the Season of Creation, the new partnership provides an opportunity for young people to put their faith into action and together “Strive to Safeguard the Earth.” by : Mr. Mogorosi Molisapoli, (Green Anglicans Coordinator)