Rachel Mash

Rev Dr Rachel Mash On almost all  levels, COP27 will go down in history as a failure   Reducing carbon emissions Wealthy nations and the over 600 fossil fuel lobbyists stopped meaningful action on  the phasing out of fossil fuels. Because this is a UN process, the decision is made by consensus not a vote. So a decision can be overruled by dissenting party Outside of the negotiating halls, the voice of impacted nations was heard from climate activists and NGOs and a growing number of faith actors. Inside the negotiations their voice is almost silenced since the  only protests allowed within the venue  were those sanctioned by the Egyptian security forces. There is  a  vast inequality in the representation of countries – attending COP is hugely expensive (Especially this one!) and poorer countries cannot afford to send large delegations. The largest number of negotiators was from the United Arab Emirates with more than 1000 delegates – go figure which way they would vote! The war in Ukraine meant that oil and gas producing nations had more influence and world leaders were reluctant to talk about reducing other sources .  The rush for gas in Africa was clearly on the table. Parties came up with the very weak wording of  “accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power and phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.” Pretty much bla bla The final text  announced no new targets or commitments (NDCs) , the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is becoming more and more impossible.  Instead new country pledges or nationally determined contributions (NDCs), were delayed for yet another year- to  COP28. Loss and damage COP27 was almost a complete wash out, but in the dying hours of the extended COP27 negotiations, they came back from the brink of absolute failure, to hear the cries of climate activists from around the world and to establish a loss and damage facility. This is significant as it recognises the moral responsibility of carbon polluting nations to those most impacted by climate change . The developed nations pushed back, not wanting to be held (potentially legally) responsible for the appalling damage being caused by climate change. Another contentious  issue is whether we count yearly emissions (where China and India score very high) or cumulative emissions, where EU and USA are the highest, as they have been producing high levels. China was keen that ‘historic emitters’ bear the highest costs and the USA tried to pull back using the excuse that China should also be a high payer. The facility has been set up but how much finance will be delivered to where it is most needed remains to be seen. COP27 has failed to addressed the key challenges of climate change. Breathe, take time to rest, refill your tanks  and then we stand up and keep on fighting.  We are not optimists, but in the words of Archbishop Tutu – we are prisoners of hope.

Bishop Jeanne Pierre Methode presented to the 15 bishops and 600 clergy attending the Conference of the Anglican Church of Rwanda. He told them about the Green Anglican Movement  and the Communion Forest After the conference they planted some trees in East Africa Christian College in Kigali.

All Saints and St Marks have partnered with the Grade R learners at Bellair School with their future farmers gardening project All Saints, celebrating 130 years of ministry planted a lemon tree at the school and another one at church as part of the Communion Forest Mrs Nina Moolman & Mrs Pinkie Nkomonde share about the project: The Little Farmers used their little fingers to grow carrots from seed. They first prepared the soil and then planted. The following week the brinjals were planted from seedling stage and they are growing. They have started flowering and bearing fruit. The following week they planted butternut pumpkins from seed. A lot of compost was used from the compost they started in the beginning of the Little Farmer project. Initially the first heap of compost had been created and now the second one was again created.  The little farmers used their hand to add inputs into the compost with the assistance of the garden coordinating team to layer the soil with dry material, green material, water, soil, manure and covering it up. Initially the first heap of compost had been created and now the second one was again created.  The little farmers used their hand to add inputs into the compost with the assistance of the garden coordinating team to layer the soil with dry material, green material, water, soil, manure and covering it up. They then planted new kale and heart shaped cabbage seeds for generation in the incubation tubs. After 3 weeks the seedlings had grown to size to be transplanted to the soil and they were moved by the little farmers to the ground. The little farmers used their compost they had prepared the previous period. The new season of spring is on and a lot is happening. Egg size brinjals have grown. Little butternuts have flowered There is an ongoing task to water the garden daily but it is met with a challenge of no rain. The season is expected to have rain, but it is not happening. This is a big problem from getting the good yield. The insects pests have also started to affect the plants. The little farmers have learnt a lot. They are so excited and enthusiastic when they see everything growing that they have planted. To assist the plants a banana leaf compost bucket is kept watering the plants to give more nutrients when they show a yellowing color. They appreciate and feel blessed for having the project with Pinkie, Mike and all who are helping in the garden. Compiled by ;Mrs Nina Moolman & Mrs Pinkie Nkomonde #communionforest  

COP27 comes to Africa The African COP COP27 is being called the African COP, as is it being held in Africa, in Sharm El – Sheikh in Egypt from 6- 18th November.  This gives the opportunities to highlight issues affecting Africa and to raise African voices, listening to climate activist and hearing stories of climate change from the continent.  On the negative side, this COP27 is prohibitively expensive which is making it very difficult for people to attend. There are also concerns about civil society being squeezed out and greenwashing by sponsors. This COP is not a ‘milestone’ COP (like Paris or Glasgow) where new targets will be set – this one is about implementation – will countries implement what they have promised. There is the opportunity to  ratchet up their promises (known as NDCs – nationally determined contributions) Almost every country in the world will be represented, providing our best hope for ambitious and fair global agreements on climate change. There is some good news in the recent election of President Lula from Brazil who has promised to halt the rapid deforestation in Brazil and the new Prime Minister of the UK , Rishi Sunak has finally decided to attend. How can you pray: For governments to ensure full delivery of the promised annual $100 billion For a ‘loss and damage’ fund – recognising the incredible damage done to vulnerable countries Investment in green jobs for youth Legalising the status of climate refugees Anglicans at COP Please pray for the many Anglicans attending COP27, we have official delegations and people representing other organisations Official Anglican Communion reps Revd Julio Murray – Bishop of Panama, Chairperson of Anglican Communion Environmental Network, and Head of the Anglican COP27 Delegation. The Most Revd Samy Fawzi Shehata – Bishop of the Diocese of Egypt and the Archbishop of the Anglican/Episcopal Province of Alexandria – Host Church.   Amal Sarah – Member of Diocese of Raiwind, Church of Pakistan, Chairperson of the Advocacy Committee of Anglican Communion Youth Network. Dr Rose Elu – Member of Anglican Church of Australia, Steering Group member of Anglican Indigenous Network. The Episcopal Church has a strong 18 person  delegation, in person and online led by Bishop Marc Andrus https://www.episcopalchurch.org/publicaffairs/presiding-bishop-announces-episcopal-church-delegation-to-united-nations-cop27-conference/ Charles Bakolo (Malawi), the Environmental Coordinator for the Province of Central Africa is part of the World Council of Churches delegation Bino Makalanyane (South Africa) and Lydia Perris (Diocese of Exeter, CofE) are part of the Christian Climate Observer programme Joel Kelling is attending as part of the Act Alliance/Anglican alliance delegation Eraso Richard of Uganda (Kampala Diocese) is attending as a youth country rep. Bishop Philip Huggins is attending from Australia  Please do let us know of others you know so that we can include them in our prayers.

Launch of the Anglican Communion Forest   More that 600 Anglican Bishops from around the world gathered for the once a decade Lambeth Conference in August. There are Anglican Churches in 165 countries, as one of the largest branches of Christianity, it is an important global body that can push for change on issues of climate and biodiversity loss. The Church also has the potential to  mobilise millions of people for action.   During the session on Environment the Bishops were addressed by  key speakers such as  Liz Wathuti who is a young climate activist from Kenya:  one of which was given by Kenyan activist Liz Wathuti ; Bishop Marinez from the Amazon, a passionate defender of the forest and indigenous rights.   Liz challenged the Bishops saying ‘You have a seat at the table- use it’ – Bishops often have standing in the community and can use it to challenge politicians around climate and biodiversity issues.   During the Conference, the Communion Forest was launched –  Communion Forest – a global project to protect forests, reforest land and restore nature   The Communion Forest website describes the project as ‘a global initiative comprising local activities of forest protection, tree-growing and eco-system restoration undertaken by provinces, dioceses and individual churches across the Anglican Communion to safeguard creation’.    Bishops are being encouraged to  integrate tree-planting into their ministry, so every time they  do a baptism, a wedding, a confirmation or a funeral, there would be  tree-planting. They are also being encouraged to start tree nurseries, making sure that the trees being planted are the correct ones for the eco-system and that a watering programme is in place.       One of the documents that was produced by the Conference was the Call to action on Environment and Sustainable Development:  Lambeth Call on the Environment and Sustainable Development The Lambeth Call on the Environment and Sustainable Development calls on world leaders to enact ‘bold and urgent policy changes’, including, ‘halting new gas and oil exploration’, ‘achieving net-zero carbon emissions…to limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels’ and ‘fulfilling and substantially increasing their commitments to climate finance, including for loss and damage due to climate change’.  It also states that ‘humanity needs a spiritual and cultural transformation. We must see the world differently: repenting of and rejecting an extractive world view, which regards the earth and all nature as something to be exploited, and embracing a relational worldview, espoused especially by indigenous peoples, which sees the profound interdependence of all creation.’  Rev Dr Rachel Mash Environmental Coordinator Anglican Church of Southern Africa  

ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITY, PART OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION On October 22nd, Archbishop Thabo visited Eluvukweni Church Eluvukweni is a vibrant parish who are currently worshipping in an informal structure in Crossroads, Cape Town. Taking the theme from Nehemiah ” Come let us rebuild the walls of Jerusalem”. Archbishop Thabo Magkoba visited the parish to encourage them in their building project. He took the opportunity to add a plant to the Anglican Communion as a symbol of the spiritual life of the congregation of Eluvukweni, rooted in the community of Crossroads, but part of the global family of the Anglican Communion. May this plant dig deep roots and grow wide branches, giving beauty to bear witness to your abundant love The children prepared a dance for the Archbishop and a delicious cake enjoyed by all! Photos Mbali Zangqa               +17     1,534 People reached 178 Engagements Boost post   4343   2 comments 4 shares   Like       Comment     Share