Rachel Mash

Canon Rachel Mash speaks at the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly Related Categories: Canon Rachel Mash, climate crisis, Faith for Earth Interfaith Women Council, Fifth Mark of Mission, Global Plastics Treaty, Green Anglicans, Mothers’ Union Eco Champs, Southern Africa, United Nations Environment Programme, women (Reposted from Anglican News) The Revd Canon Dr Rachel Mash, Environmental Coordinator of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, has been appointed as a member of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Faith for Earth Interfaith Women Council. This newly established council, launched on 30 January 2025, brings together women faith leaders from across the world to advocate for environmental sustainability and the role of faith communities in addressing ecological challenges. The Faith for Earth Interfaith Women Council is an initiative of UNEP’s Faith for Earth Coalition, which seeks to mobilise religious communities in pursuit of environmental action. The council comprises 24 distinguished female faith leaders who provide leadership on ecological justice, sustainability, and the intersection of faith and environmental responsibility. A Voice for Women in Climate Advocacy Canon Rachel brings extensive experience in environmental leadership to the council. She is the founder of the Green Anglicans Movement, an initiative that encourages young people to engage in climate action across Africa. She also serves as Coodinator of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network and Co-Chair of the International Season of Creation Steering Committee, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy within faith communities. Last year, Canon Rachel represented the Anglican Communion at the UN Environment Assembly and spoke on behalf of a coalition of civil society groups about sustainable lifestyles, reducing plastic pollution, environmental damage caused by mineral extraction and the links between environmental justice and armed conflict. In her address at the inaugural meeting of the Faith for Earth Interfaith Women Council, Canon Rachel underscored the importance of amplifying the voices of young, Anglican women in climate advocacy: “Across the communion we see women at the forefront of climate action -young climate activists raising their prophetic voices –  such as the Green Anglicans or the ‘Climate Yes’ youth ecumenical summit. We see women clergy at the forefront – Diocesan Environmental Coordinators and missioners, liturgists, activists – and Eco-bishops! Women are rising!” Furthermore, she spoke about the Mothers’ Union Eco Champs, a programme launched across Southern Africa to empower women within dioceses to lead environmental efforts in their communities. She also acknowledged the critical role of women clergy in the Anglican Church, noting that while they are fewer in number, they are often at the forefront of environmental advocacy. A Commitment to Environmental Justice Canon Rachel also addressed the pressing issue of the ongoing UN negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty. She urged faith leaders to advocate for policies that prioritise reducing plastic production, rather than merely managing waste. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of plastic pollution on women, children, and unborn babies, calling for faith communities to play a role in influencing decision-makers towards stronger environmental commitments. Canon Rachel’s appointment is a recognition of her leadership in faith-based environmental action and her dedication to climate justice. Her presence on the council will provide opportunity to champion Anglican commitment to the 5th Mark of Mission (that aims to treasure and safeguard creation) and advocate for vulnerable people impacted by environmental crises.  rk.From the Anglican News website    

As part of our Patronal festival week, our Parish commemorated our Patron Saint, Saint Paul, by hosting a “Environmental High Tea” which was an innovative concept that combines the traditional elegance of high tea with environmental awareness and sustainability. Here’s what it entailed: Key Elements 1. Eco-friendly venue: The high tea was hosted in a venue that prioritizes environmental sustainability, such as our church garden. 2. Locally sourced ingredients: The tea, food, and refreshments were made from locally sourced, organic, and sustainable ingredients to minimize carbon footprint. 3. Zero-waste policy: The event produced zero waste by using compostable or biodegradable tableware, linens, and decorations. 5. Sustainable fashion: Guests may be encouraged to wear sustainable, eco-friendly, or second-hand clothing to promote environmentally responsible fashion practices. Benefits and Impact 1. Raises environmental awareness: The event had educate guests about environmental issues and promotes sustainable living practices within and around our parish and community we find ourselves in. 2. Supports local communities: By using locally sourced ingredients and supporting eco-friendly businesses, our parish contributes to the local economy. 3. Fosters community engagement: The Environmental Hig Tea had brought people together to share ideas, experiences, and tips for sustainable living, promoting a sense of community and collaboration. 4. Promotes sustainable lifestyle choices: By showcasing eco-friendly products, services, and practices, the event encourages guests to make more sustainable lifestyle choices. Bonita Potgeiter – MU Ecochamp

Fifty three  passionate young people from churches across South Africa, Lesotho, and Botswana came together for an unforgettable four-day Climate Justice Bootcamp at the Golden Gate Wel Geoff Youth Centre from  December 3rd to 6th Dec. We kicked things off with Ms. Naledi Matima, who hyped us up about the Climate YES movement and how far we’ve come. Ms. Maduvha Matodzi from SANParks blew our minds with insights about how climate change is affecting biodiversity. Day 1 wrapped with a thought-provoking Bible study on Romans 8:18-25, making us reflect on how creation is “groaning” and calling for action. Day 2 was all about digging deeper. Abongile Mpu from SAYCCC showed us how theology connects with climate action, while Tshegofatso Lekgetho from SAFCEI taught us about climate adaptation and mitigation. The highlight? Creating awareness posters to spread the message far and wide. Letago Kgomoeswana, repping Climate YES and the African Climate Alliance (ACA), inspired us with the story of youth leading South Africa’s first climate court case. If we’re the generation we’ve been waiting for, this proves it! Later, Omphile Tshiping hosted a dynamic panel on mining, climate change, and biodiversity with experts like Dr. Rebotsamang Shago and other frontline activists. We dived into how mining affects communities, health, and ecosystems—and what a just energy transition could look like. Bino then sparked a powerful conversation on climate justice as a human rights issue, leading us to draft a statement of action. Social media advocacy took the spotlight when Naledi shared pro tips on how to mobilize online for change. Plus, a session on report writing reminded us of the importance of accountability within our movements. As the bootcamp neared its end, Letago guided us through how climate change impacts young people—touching on unemployment, mental health, food insecurity, and gender-based violence. This was the moment we committed to personal actions for change. Tshepo Mohapi introduced eco-justice theology, challenging us to care for creation in ways that are just and fair. We also learned about invasive plants versus indigenous ones—knowledge we’ll carry into our eco-restoration efforts. Finally, we mapped out how to bring these lessons back to our communities. From advocacy to awareness campaigns like #CancelCoal, we’re ready to make climate change a priority in our spaces. Oh, and it wasn’t all work! SANParks kept the vibes alive with outdoor team-building and a super fun Potjie Kos competition. Intense learning was interspersed with enjoying the beauty of this amazing part of God’s creation, where the young people were also able to hike and some even were brave enough to abseil!  You will not protect what you do not love – and falling in love with God’s creation was an important part of the camp We closed the bootcamp with a commission service and an early-morning hike where Revd Hendricks sent us off with a benediction. For many of us, this was more than just an event—it was a launchpad to confidently engage in local and global climate dialogues, carrying the voices of young people of faith. Huge thanks to Climate YES, Green Anglicans, Act Ubumbano, and SAFCEI for making this incredible experience possible. Let’s keep the momentum going!    

Members of Mothers Union in Sekubu, Lesotho have embarked on bee farming. They asked the Ministry of Forestry to give lessongs on Bee Farming. They held a week long workshop. They were given a black box and two bee hives as a start. Then they searched for wild bees and domesticated them On Friday they planted roses, pumpkins and sunflowers to that the bees can get nectar #MothersUnion

    Mr. B. White, the Co-ordinator of Green Anglicans in the Diocese of Mthatha was invited to speak during the Provincial AWF conference on the 26th of October in Krugerdorp. He spoke about Care and Protection for the Environment. Members of the AWF were impressed by the presentation and even made a pledge of commitment to take care of the environment as individuals (in their households, and work places), at Parish and archdeaconry level. They even promised to start projects like recycling and re-using objects, tree planting and gardening. They said they would reduce the length of showers to save water              

Mothers Union Eco-champs from 23 Dioceses across South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini were chosen to attend an Eco-champion Training run by the Green Anglicans The event started with a message of encouragement from the Worldwide President of the Mothers’ Union-  Sheran Harper for this first of a kind group of MU Eco-champs! Rev Rachel Mash led a session on the Bible and Creation Care, unpacking Scriptures on the theme. The Mothers then had a to prepare mini – sermons in groups. This was followed by a Bible Study on Rom 8:22 “Where do you hear the groaning of Creation in your context?” Very sad issues were identified which are impacting on food security and increasing poverty – such as soil erosion, flooding and drought. Our children are being poisoned through air pollution and water being filled with toxins, the burning of plastic and chemicals leaching into our water. Animals and pollinators are being wiped out. Illegal dumping is destroying our communities and the children have no safe place to play We ended the session with a word of hope – for Creation is groaning as in childbirth – the pains are coming now but new life is being born The day ended with a beautiful outdoor service led by the Provincial Liaison Bishop for the Environment – Bishop Charles May On Day two we begin with prayers outside and then moved to the text of Rom 8 : 19 “Creation is standing on tiptoe waiting for the children of God to be revealed”.  We shared what we are already doing, our successes and our challenges: It was encouraging to hear that Mothers are already doing   Tree planting, both indigenous and fruit trees.  We are doing  clean up campaigns and beautifying our churches. We have started using plastic to make  mats, sun hats and bags. We have stopped using Styrofoam and bring our own bottles.. People have been trained in home food gardens and are passing the knowledge onto youth and children.  We are observing environmental days and filling up dongas and eroded areas. We are making sleeping bags for the homeless using recycled materials. And partnerships have been formed with municipalities, schools and the departments of Environment in the different countries. Two very powerful sessions then followed looking at the impact of Climate Change on  gender and health. Ms Letago  Kgomoeswana shared about how women are more impacted by climate change disasters as they have to walk further for water or wood. When they are in relief shelters they are at risk of sexual harassment.  Our second speaker  Mme Rose Lamola told of the devastating impacts of high temperatures in particular to pregnant women as the danger of early delivery or a still birth increases exponentially. The afternoon session started with unpacking the resolution passed a few years ago at Provincial MU level to stop using Styrofoam and sing use plastic at Church events. The mothers discussed how to do this in small groups. The final session was a moving one looking at how the church can prepare for the growing number of disasters such as flooding, drought, fires and storms.  Then plans were made to take to the Provincial Conference in December. On Sunday we ended with a moving outdoor Eucharist led by Rev Rachel Mash where we were commissioned as MU Eco Champs We are so appreciative of the Mothers Union Provincial Executive and Bino Makhalanyane’s hard work as a wonderful  facilitator and  doing logistics, to JP Roberts for designing the t-shirts and badges and for SAFCEI for financial support for the Conference