Bino Teboho Makhalanyane

From the 28th till 30th of March 2025 the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman held its first Green Anglican Eco-Champions workshop, at the Cathedral Church of St Cyprian the Martyr in Kimberly, marking a major advancement in environmental awareness. In keeping with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s Fifth Mark of Mission: “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth,” this groundbreaking event brought together parishioners, clergy, and lay leaders to strengthen their commitment to environmental stewardship. The purpose of the workshop was to equip the participants with theological insights and practical tools to address and advocate for pressing environmental issues. The workshop explored what is Green Anglican in the province, eco-theology, highlighting biblical commands to care for creation and the interconnectedness between environmental deterioration and social challenges. The workshop concluded with participants being tasked with leading environmental initiatives in their respective communities, organisations and parishes. The diocesan Green Anglican Coordinator Ven. Rev Hove viewed the workshop as a step forward to a more sustainable and  equitable future not only in the church but in our communities. By Refilwe Ferrelson  

From 20 to 22 March 2025, God’s Way of Farming hosted a three-day training program at Nyavani focused on the intersection of spirituality, management, and technology in sustainable farming. Led by passionate trainers and embraced by the local MU members from the Vhembe Archdeaconry in the Diocese of St Marks the Evangelist, church members, and the wider Nyavani community, the training emphasized the biblical principles of stewardship through. Day 1: Spiritual Foundations for Sustainable Farming The session opened with 17 MU women in attendance. Karla, the trainer, introduced the concept of “Farming God’s Way,” grounding the practice in scripture—Acts 20:30 and Luke 6:38. She structured her message around four key principles: The day ended with a practical demonstration comparing conventional farming to “Farming God’s Way,” focusing on setting high, Godly standards in all agricultural efforts. Day 2: Restoration and Responsible Practice Attendance grew on Day 2, with 16 MU women, 5 Anglican men, and 12 local community members. From 08h00 to 16h00, participants engaged in teachings on restoration and preparation techniques. Key Lessons: Staggered Planting (Rotational Farming):Participants learned about planting in a Fruit-Leaf-Root (FLR) cycle (e.g., beans, spinach, beetroot/spring onion). It was noted that maize should always be planted next to beans, as beans naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen—demonstrating God’s perfect design. A “Garden of Remembrance” was planted during the practical session using this method. Making Compost (2 Corinthians 9:8):High-standard compost is made using specific layers: Compost must be turned in after 10 days, then every 3 days. Temperature should be maintained between 50–60°C. Day 3: Good Life Through Godly Farming On the final day, the focus shifted to planting with spiritual awareness, management, and appropriate technology. Scripture readings included Genesis 1:29, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Isaiah 51:3, John 3:16, and Galatians 5:22–23, among others. Highlights: Conclusion The training was well-received, with high participation and engagement from the MU and the Nyavani community. The sessions effectively merged biblical teachings with practical agricultural knowledge, reinforcing the call to steward the earth faithfully and joyfully. Participants left empowered—not just with skills, but with a renewed vision of farming as worship, restoration, and a pathway to sustainable livelihoods. By: Mme Sefularo Ramohale MU Eco-Champ Mrs Ramohale Training in session

It was a weekend filled with jubilation as members of the Mothers’ Union across the Anglican Church of Southern Africa celebrated their Annual Lady Day a day, also known as the Feast of the Annunciation, is a significant day for the Mothers’ Union (MU) since 1897, celebrated annually on March 25th, as a day of prayer, intercession, and thanksgiving day which took place on the weekend of 30 March 2025. The Diocese of Johannesburg marked the occasion by planting a tree after the church service at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Joseph in central Johannesburg as a symbol of hope. The event was graced by Mothers’ Union Provincial President Mme Meisie Lerutla, Diocesan President Siphokazi Maqhina, Diocesan Bishop, the Right Revd Dr. Steve Moreo, Diocesan Mothers’ Union Chaplain, and Mme Pama, the Worldwide Vice President of the Girls’ and Boys’ Friendly Society, together with diocesan representatives. In the Diocese of Grahamstown, the Alice Archdeaconry celebrated Lady Day with tree planting and water education, led by a Mothers’ Union eco-champion. She demonstrated how mothers could use drip irrigation with plastic bottles to conserve water, a precious resource in the region. In the Diocese of Mpumalanga, the Coalfields Archdeaconry Mothers’ Union celebrated Lady Day in style, with the presence of the MU Chaplain and the Diocesan President. Members planted a tree at the Parish of St. Mary’s KwaGuqa. On the same day, the Lowveld Archdeaconry also marked the occasion by observing National Water Week, hosting an awareness campaign on water conservation. The Diocese of Saldanha Bay also celebrated Lady Day by planting three Olive trees at St Timothy Fractreton Kensington Cape Town.        

From the 18th to the 20th of March, Faith Leaders from across Southern Africa ( Eswatini, South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique)  gathered at Schoenstatt Retreat Centre in  Cape Town for a Faith Leader Environmental Advocacy Training (FLEAT) Energy and Climate Justice workshop. The workshop brought together faith-based organizations, environmental activists, and policy experts; eight were Anglicans from both ACSA and IAMA Provinces. The leaders discussed the urgent need to transition to sustainable and equitable energy systems. This transition is not just a technical or economic issue but a moral and ethical imperative deeply rooted in our responsibility to care for creation and uphold justice for vulnerable communities. Faith and Environmental Stewardship Faith traditions across the world emphasize the sacredness of creation and the duty of stewardship. The workshop reinforced the importance of integrating faith-based perspectives into climate justice and energy transition discussions. As faith leaders, we must advocate for policies and practices that prioritize people and the planet over profit. This means challenging extractive industries that harm communities, advocating for renewable energy solutions, and ensuring that the transition to clean energy does not come at the expense of marginalized populations. Key Discussions and Insights The Urgency of a Just TransitionThe workshop highlighted that South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, has devastating environmental and social consequences. Air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change impacts are disproportionately felt by low-income communities. A Just Energy Transition seeks to move towards renewable energy sources while ensuring that workers and affected communities are not left behind. Community Engagement and ParticipationOne of the strongest messages from the workshop was the need for meaningful engagement with communities directly impacted by energy transitions. Faith leaders play a crucial role in bridging the gap between policymakers and grassroots movements, ensuring that decisions are made with the participation of those most affected. Ethical Investments and Divestment from Fossil FuelsFaith institutions manage significant financial resources. A key discussion was the role of ethical investments in promoting sustainability. Divesting from fossil fuel industries and investing in community-led renewable energy projects aligns with the moral obligation to protect the environment and uphold social justice. Energy Justice and InequalityThe transition must address historical injustices. Many communities in South Africa still lack access to reliable electricity, while others suffer the health burdens of living near coal mines and power stations. The workshop emphasized the need for policies that ensure affordable and sustainable energy access for all. Call to Action for Faith Leaders Faith communities have a unique ability to mobilize and inspire action. As faith leaders, we must: Advocate for policy changes that promote clean energy and protect vulnerable communities. Educate congregations on the impacts of fossil fuels and the benefits of renewable energy. Engage in ethical investments that align with sustainability and social justice. Foster interfaith collaboration to strengthen collective advocacy efforts. Conclusion The FLEAT workshop reinforced the urgency of faith-based action in Energy Justice. As both an environmentalist and a person of faith, I am committed to championing this cause. We must act now to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially just. Through faith and action, we can build a future that honours both creation and community. By Tshegofatso Lekgetho

On March 21st, the Green Anglicans in the Diocese of Mthatha hosted an Environmental Awareness Workshop at the church of the Transfiguration in Nzwakazi, in the Archdeaconry of Misty Mount. The diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinators, Mr. Bonginkosi White, and Ms. Tuletu Ngudle, along with the Diocesan Chaplain, Revd. M. W. Mpumlwana, led discussions on environmental stewardship. Key topics included: Waste management Water conservation Sustainable kitchen gardens Soya bean cultivation, its products, and benefits Attendees also had the opportunity to taste soya-based products such as bread, scones, and biscuits. The workshop was well attended by representatives from all parishes within the Archdeaconry of Misty Mount. Revd. S. Nondonga from the Archdeaconry of Mzimvubu was also present and expressed keen interest in the Green Anglicans movement. As climate change continues to impact our communities, we encourage parishes and archdeaconries within the Diocese of Mthatha to invite the Green Anglicans team for similar workshops. Together, we can take action to mitigate environmental challenges and care for God’s creation. By: Mr. B. White    

From February 11th to 12th, 2025, the Diocese of Lesotho had the privilege of hosting Dr. Ryan Weston, the Lead Animator Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice from the Anglican Church of Canada. His visit aimed to observe and understand the church’s role in addressing climate change and other pressing social issues. Ryan’s first stop was at St. Agnes Mission, where he met with members of the Mothers’ Union engaged in recycling initiatives. These dedicated women showcased their work but expressed concerns about declining interest in their products, negatively impacting production and morale. The elderly women travel long distances to collect plastic materials for their crafts, yet their efforts face sustainability challenges due to limited market demand. The Mothers’ Union also introduced their school uniform sewing project. Where their vision is to supply all Anglican schools in Lesotho with school uniforms progress. On the environmental front, the Diocese has implemented a unique tree-planting initiative as part of confirmation services. Every confirmand is required to plant a tree and nurture it as a symbol of their faith journey. Ryan also went to the Mants’ase Children’s Home in Mohale’s Hoek, where the Mothers’ Union plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable children. The home provides shelter and care for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and other hardships, including those living with HIV, cancer, or who are orphaned. The children receive education, medical care, and necessities through the home’s efforts. The Diocesan Mother’s Union hopes that Ryan’s visit will provide valuable insight into his research on the church’s response to both environmental and social justice. By : Mme M. Letlotlo