Ncumisa

SINGLE USE PLASTIC V JOBS? STUDENTS TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE The Anglican Students Federation Western Cape, hosted their annual regional conference from the 3rd to the 5Th of May 2019.  Following the epidemic of plastic waste the students were more than keen to expand their creation care knowledge and their focus of interest was the impact of plastic in the environment, its dangers and how it could be the thing of the past. Ncumisa Magadla facilitated an interactive discussion. Their host parish Holy Cross Nyanga was the perfect place for them to begin the educational journey. Placed in a township of people who are completely unaware of the negative impact plastic has on the environment and it being an easily accessible tool to carry their groceries, the community needed the students to transfer the knowledge to them.  Beginning with the congregants of the parish learning, the hope is that the word will spread. Discussing common uses of plastic, the main issue was the price of the reusable bag compared to a “single use plastic”, suggestions were it is not really single use as most people recycle plastic bags and make bin bags out of them and some even go far as arts and crafts. To the person relying on those plastic bottles to sell her/his “ginger beer” a common business in the townships, what do they do if plastic is banned, wouldn’t that increase unemployment.  The conversation shifted them figuring out alternatives and the students promised that they will take it upon them to come spend some time doing research on how plastic can be completely taken out of people’s lives in a way that won’t be taking bread out their mouths.  They also stressed on the need for the church to prioritise environmental ministry. Report and photos – Ncumisa Magadla #beatplasticpollution #rubbishcampaign  #zerowaste #bringyourownbag

BUILDING A MOVEMENT ACROSS SOUTHERN AFRICA Young Green Anglican “movers and shakers” gathered for a two day bootcamp in Johannesburg. Members came from 8 countries, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland (Eswatini), Malawi Angola and Botswana. We had the privilege of worshipping together at St Mary’s Cathedral – and were struck by the contrast between the beauty inside the church and the filthy streets outside. We were encouraged to hear that the Cathedral has a dream of creating a clean and green Precinct around the Cathedral. Our day started with setting the scene of the environmental challenges we face across the region and hearing how youth are rising to meet them. It was very sad to hear of the destruction of Cyclone Idai in Lebombos and Natal and Cyclone Kenneth in Niassa. We were also saddened to hear of the devastating drought impacting Namibia and the deforestation across the region. Amnesty international then shared how environmental degradation and climate change should be considered as human rights issues and not just an environmental one We then explored environmental problems : water pollution, deforestation, plastic pollution using the problem tree methodology. We explored the “why” question – why should we be involved in environmental ministry and came up with the following list – Because we are people of hope and for hope you need action – We are very concerned about our children’s future – We are concerned about the economic impact of climate change – We have compassion on those impacted by Climate Change disasters – We are inspired by the beauty of Creation and want to protect it – God is calling us to care for creation And then each person made plans to take back and challenge their Diocese. During the workshop we were challenged by powerful Bible Studies – like Nehemiah we are to “restore the walls of Jerusalem”, starting with the portion close to our homes and working with people of all kinds of skills. . Like Moses we must find our “Aarons” who can speak directly to the culture and language of the community. The workshop ended with a beautiful service of commitment, looking at how Moses handed over the leadership to Joshua. A powerful message from Archbishop Thabo was read: “As adults we confess that we have failed to be the stewards God called us to be. Our complicity in the destruction of the planet will be “visited upon the children, upon the third and the fourth generations” (Exodus 20:5) This is an injustice that we have inflicted on our younger generations. Moses was called to bring his people out of Egypt, and then God commissioned a new youth leader, Joshua. On the banks of the Jordan river, God told Joshua: “Be strong and bold. For you have been chosen to bring the people into the new land, not I.” Now we need to acknowledge in Southern Africa today that the leadership of the environmental movement is coming from young people Be strong, bold and very courageous, and take the lead!” Photos – JP Roberts, Mandisa Gumada We are grateful for the Movement Building methodology from Tearfund that was used to run this camp. https://learn.tearfund.org/~/media/files/tilz/global_advocacy/2018-kr-tearfund-movement-building-guide-en.pdf

LAUNCH OF CARE FOR CREATION YOUTH MANUAL A team from across the Province of Southern Africa has been working to prepare materials on the theme of care for creation for young people. After months of hard work it was a proud day when the manual was launched. The training day and launch took place in a joint event between Green Anglicans and the Johannesburg Anglican Eco-spirituality Initiative (JAEI) at the Diocesan Centre in Sophiatown. A group of youth leaders from the Diocese of Johannesburg , and Christ the King were present. We also had a group of Green Anglican leader from across the Province who were being trained to use the manual in their context. Swaziland and Botswana were also present at the training. A fun day of interactive learning and laughter took place At the same time and enthusiastic group of Sunday School teachers were trained on how to use the Ryan the Rhino Manual

DIOCESE OF NAMIBIA RESPONDING TO DROUGHT EMERGENCY “What saddens me the most is that some of the old men are losing the will to live, once they have to slaughter their cattle because of the drought” Ven Nangula Kathindi The clergy of Namibia met for their clergy conference in the Northern part of Namibia , hard hit by drought. The government has declared an emergency, as the crops have failed. Canon Rachel Mash spoke on the theme of Water in her Homily at the Eucharist. Hagar and Ishmael were thrown out into the desert, carrying only 5 liters of water. This shows the injustice of water , where an Isaac can be at home with water to drink, bathe and even play in, and another child, Ishmael, is dying of thirst under a tree. And yet God heard his cry and rescued him. As well as praying for rain, it is a time to reflect on the deep meaning of water in our Scriptures, for water is mentioned 722 times In the workshop we looked at the impact of Climate Change, devastating both Namibia with drought, at the same time as Mozambique with floods. We are truly facing climate chaos and the scientists tell us that we only have 12 years to make a rapid shift globally from fossil fuels to renewables. Yet Namibia and Mozambique have produced very few indeed of those emissions. It is Climate injustice that we are facing. We also looked at the problem of preserving water during the drought, of plastic pollution and the need to grow trees to prevent desertification. It is import to link the actions with Biblical resources so that people know that it is part of their gospel mandate. We are called to go and preach good news to all Creation The clergy divided up into action groups to look at the following areas: 1. Plastic pollution “Cleanliness is closer to godliness” Plastic etc. Let us try to work with our communities and households to avoid using plastic bags. Let us use recyclable bags. By 2020 stop using plastic bags. Have special announcements to save our earth. Especially commit to not using single use plastic at big catering events. When it rains all those are washed into the rivers. Take plastics to recycling businesses. Start in our churches and communities. Clean our church yards. Learn to put rubbish in rubbish bins. Get away from mentality that I don’t care and I am creating jobs. 2. Water Rev 22:1 “Water is life”. Awareness of the importance and use of water. We need to maintain water and care for water. They need to be reminded where to find water and how the community uses water. They need to be taught flushing system for toilets to be limited. Showers to be limited. A request for those workers be requested to dig dams in the area and your village to help when the rain comes. The water from washing can be used for watering trees. This will prevent deforestation. The community needs to be taught that plants can prevent floods also. Before Dec 2020 – we need to: – Try to have big tanks for saving water especially in the centres, homes, hospitals , to use that storage water during drought – Renew the wells and boreholes – Wells need to be covered to prevent evaporation – People need to minimize the waste of water, by using buckets. 3. Trees Need for training and workshops on tree planting to reduce desertification. Gather more info regarding source of manure needed for agriculture. Plant indigenous trees which require less water. We need sermons that emphasize how we can take care of creation, especially in September. We need to learn more about why we should love trees and plants. We need the arbor day in schools and church again. We can go out and consult the headmen in the villages in order to get the opportunity to teach the village counsellors. We also need to emphasize the need to protect our environment. We suggest that the Diocese or parishes can ask the scientists to come and do the research on what type of plants to grow in our areas. Establish some parish environmental committees as the priests are busy. The clergy received a blessing from Bishop Luke Pato as they committed to caring for creation.