Rachel Mash

Representatives from projects in South Sudan, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Africa gathered for a wonderful Partners’ Learning Forum – a week of peer learning, worship, inspiration and fellowship hosted by Anglican Overseas Aid. The Forum created a space where Anglicans from across Africa could share experiences, deepen relationships and strengthen our shared commitment to climate justice, disaster preparedness and care for creation. The first part of the workshop connected participants with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa Mothers’ Union Eco Champs programme, which proved to be a tremendous inspiration. Together we shared a beautiful Eucharist, celebrated our different cultures during a joyful cultural evening, and reflected on how faith communities can respond creatively and courageously to the climate crisis. Throughout the week we explored the beauty of God’s creation together — from the beach to the magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. We enjoyed wonderful fish from the ocean. These moments reminded us why protecting our common home is both a spiritual calling and an urgent responsibility. The programme included a rich range of learning opportunities. Shelter Mushipe shared important insights on gender and climate justice, while Micah DeKorne led an engaging session on photographic skills and storytelling. Rev. Rachel facilitated sessions on ecotheology and biblically grounded environmental campaigns, helping participants connect scripture, discipleship and environmental action. One of the most meaningful aspects of the gathering was hearing participants share their “most significant changes” — stories of transformation, resilience and hope from communities across the continent. We also learned about the history of the Green Anglicans movement, the Communion Forest initiative, and the global Season of Creation. James Senjura from the Anglican Church of Kenya introduced us to Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration “Living Stumps” , while Wise Life Choices facilitated important discussions on population and the environment. Bino Makhalanyane shared the Sunday School resource Ryan the Rhino, equipping churches to nurture environmental awareness among children. Our field day brought learning into action. Participants visited the Philippi Horticultural Area where we learned about protecting farmland from development and planted trees together. We also engaged with climate advocacy efforts led by the African Climate Alliance, hearing from Solly Nyezi about campaigns against new fossil fuel projects. At the coast, Liz McDaid from The Green Connection shared work to protect the oceans from oil and gas exploration. Above all, the week was filled with worship, laughter, singing, learning and friendship. Together we recommitted ourselves to care for God’s creation as one family, united in faith and hope for a more just and sustainable future. A heartfelt thank you to Anglican Overseas Aid and the people of Australia for making this wonderful gathering possible.   Photo credit : Elspeth Kernebone

On Earth Day 2026, the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” came alive not just in words, but in movement. In Cape Town, over 500 people took to the streets, marching to Parliament under a shared banner: #NoFaithInFalseSolutions. What unfolded was more than a protest—it was a visible, collective call for a different future. Civil society came together in remarkable unity. Faith-based organisations stood alongside environmental justice movements, community groups, and youth activists. Their message was clear: the time for half-measures and harmful detours is over. South Africa needs urgent, people-centred climate action and a truly just transition—one that protects both people and the planet. At the heart of the march was a rejection of what activists describe as “false solutions.” These include new oil and gas developments, so-called “clean coal,” and carbon capture schemes. While often presented as pathways forward, these approaches risk deepening inequality, entrenching environmental harm, and delaying the rapid transition that the climate crisis demands. The urgency of the crisis is not abstract. It is lived daily. As Lisa Makuala of The Green Connection reminded the crowd, “37% of South Africans live below the poverty line. It remains unfair for vulnerable communities to have to choose between buying bread and affording electricity.” Climate justice, therefore, cannot be separated from economic justice. The call is for a Just Transition—one that prioritises affordable, decentralised renewable energy and safeguards the dignity and rights of those most affected by rising costs and deepening food insecurity. The march was convened by a broad coalition, including SAFCEI, Fossil Free South Africa, Africa Climate Alliance, The Green Connection, Natural Justice, the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, Project 90 by 2030, and Extinction Rebellion Cape Town. They were joined by partners such as Green Anglicans, Greenpeace Africa, Beauty Without Cruelty, and many others. Together, they embodied a growing national movement—diverse, determined, and rooted in both justice and hope. At Parliament, organisers handed over a joint memorandum to a Member of Parliament, calling for accountable leadership, inclusive climate policies, and real solutions. The memorandum emphasised that many of the so-called solutions currently being advanced by government and industry fail to consider their true social and economic impacts—and may not even meaningfully reduce emissions. Among the voices raised was Rev Rachel Mash of Green Anglicans, who grounded the climate crisis in everyday realities: “Paraffin prices have risen and many families battle to cook hot food in this cold weather. Taxi fares have gone up—and many are struggling to make ends meet at the end of the month. All because of a war in the Middle East. If your fuel comes on a ship, then you are not a sovereign nation. God has given us sun and wind—let us use them and speed up the transition away from fossil fuels so that we can fight energy poverty in our communities. Let us roll out training in renewables in every TVET college across the country.” Her words point to a deeper truth: energy is not only an environmental issue, but a matter of justice, sovereignty, and human dignity. Renewable energy offers not just a cleaner future, but a fairer one—if implemented with intention and inclusion. This Earth Day, the streets of Cape Town told a story of courage and conviction. A story of people refusing to accept false promises, and instead demanding real, transformative change. The message echoed beyond the march itself: Our power. Our planet. No more false solutions. For more on the memorandum handed to Parliament, see: https://tinyurl.com/3weeh6m9

As the clergy of the Diocese of Cape Town renewed their priestly vows they were given a tree as a symbol of spiritual growth that needs to be constantly watered. Bishop Joshua blessed the trees with these words Blessing of the Trees O God of all Creation bless these trees to live among us as a message of hope for the future and a reminder of your call to care for all Creation. As their roots grow deep and strong, may our faith grow ever deeper and more compassionate. As its branches open wide to the sky, may our arms open wide to embrace the greatest and smallest of your creatures. As its leaves provide food and oxygen, may we provide food for the hungry and hope for the lost. Bless this tree as a living reminder of your love and grace always among us. Amen. #The Communion Forest We are very grateful for the generous donation from the Dep of Forestry, fisheries and Environment.

    The “Feast of Creation”, also known as “Creation Day” or “World Day of Prayer for Creation”, is officially entering the liturgical calendars of many churches. Celebrated on September 1st or – most frequently – on the following Sunday, the feast is inspired by an ancient liturgical tradition of the Eastern Orthodox church.  Many non-Byzantine churches will begin their celebrations this September, with the Feast formally enshrined in their lectionaries and liturgical books. Given the Christological nature of the liturgical year in many traditions, a title that is sometimes used is “Feast of Creation in Christ”. Among other highlights, the Feast is being added to the Revised Common Lectionary used by many Protestant and Anglican churches, in time for this year’s celebrations.  The words of Prophet Isaiah capture well what is happening: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (43:19). To explore this promising ecumenical process, a major online event was held on March 18-19, entitled “The Feast of Creation: A New Liturgical Feast, a Gift for the Third Millennium”. Convened by the World Council of Churches, Middle East Council of Churches, and various Christian world communions and regional ecumenical bodies, the event drew registrations from over 600 church leaders worldwide. Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of WCC and chair of the Feast of Creation committee, offered inspirational welcome remarks, grounded in the recent celebrations of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. “The ecumenical process towards a common liturgical Feast of Creation started with a powerful conference in Assisi in March 2024,” he said. “If the Assisi Process continues to develop and reach its goal, it might become a landmark in the history of Christianity. The strong backing by so many church families can be seen as an encouraging sign that the ecumenical miracle of joint ecumenical action for establishing this feast in the church calendar globally could become a reality.” In turn, Dr. Louk Andrianos from WCC made a presentation from the Eastern Orthodox perspective, reminding the audience of the rich theological symbolism of the Feast in that tradition. Citing the 10th-century Menologion of Basil II, which is the oldest Byzantine liturgical calendar, he explained that “September 1st represents ‘the day of Creation’, God’s act of the creation of the universe. It symbolizes the expression ‘In the beginning’, when God said ‘Let there be light’.” Moreover, in 1989, its Creation symbolism was expanded, when Ecumenical Patriarch Demetrios invited “the entire Christian world to offer every year on this day prayers and supplications to the Maker of all.” In recent decades, Creation Day has gained steady momentum alongside the extended “Season of Creation”, both at the grassroots and leadership levels in many churches. The next presentation was by Rev. Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, a theologian of the Maronite Catholic Church and the Director of the Theological Department of the Middle East Council of Churches. As he is based in Beirut, a humbling moment of silence was offered for the victims of war there in Lebanon and the wider Middle East. Fr. Al Ahmar presented a new report titled “Theological Overview of the Feast of Creation” (www.bit.ly/feast-of-creation-theology), which synthesizes the main themes emerging from a series of three academic conferences in Assisi in recent years. He explained: “Creation is a multi-faceted mystery. Therefore, the Feast of Creation is a multi-faceted feast.” suggested image #2 Four interrelated themes are celebrated on this holy day: “(1) God’s act of creation, (2) Creation as a Christological mystery, (3) Creation as a Trinitarian mystery, and (4) Creation as a sacramental and covenanted gift. Together, these themes help us appreciate the richness and depth of the mystery being celebrated.” Lastly, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay (Consultation on Common Texts) and Rev. Tony Franklin-Ross (World Methodist Council) introduced various resources available to support non-Byzantine churches in implementing the new feast in their liturgical books and calendars. A highlight is the addition of the Feast to the Revised Common Lectionary in April 2026, with a new set of biblical readings to assist the liturgical celebrations starting this year. Other resources shared included:  1. Proposal for National Churches: www.bit.ly/new-feast   2. Invitation letter to National Churches: www.bit.ly/letter-feast   3. Upcoming workshops for Liturgists: www.bit.ly/feast-workshops   4. Theological Overview of the Feast: www.bit.ly/feast-of-creation-theology   5. Pastoral resources for the Feast: www.FeastOfCreation.com   6. Pastoral resources for extended Season: www.SeasonOfCreation.com    Participants then had denomination-specific dialogues in breakout sessions, to plan their celebrations in September 2026. Great enthusiasm was reported across the groups. Grounding all this reflection and preparation, the event counted with beautiful prayers offered by Frances Namoumou (Pacific Conference of Churches) and Karen Westerfield Tucker (World Methodist Council), helping contextualize the importance of this Feast in light of the tragic destruction of God’s gift of creation in this day and age.  Bottom line, the main takeaway is that the Holy Spirit has been clearly at work in recent decades, nourishing the soil so that this gift of the Eastern Orthodox church might flourish in the worldwide Christian family. The Feast of Creation is a precious gift for the third millennium. The full recording of this historic event is available here:

Green Anglicans of Inhambane worked in collaboration with the Municipal Council of the Village of Quissico – Zavala on World Forest Day The area was badly damaged when Cyclone Gezani struck the Bay of Inhambane-Maxixe on the 13th and 14th of February. Seven Anglican families were impacted including the rector Rev Aurelio. The church was able to help the affected families with clothes, food and water as well spiritual support and helping to mend the houses. In order to stop the erosion and to hold the flooding -for climate disaster mitigation the group had decided to plant  vetiver grass. This is  a bunchgrass known for its deep dense root systems (up to 3-5 meters)  which make it excellent for erosion control, slope stabilization and water management. The plant helps with water purification and land restoration. After planting the vetiver grass, a talk was given on the importance of forests in our communities. We also talked about the relationship between the forest and water, bearing in mind that tomorrow (22nd of March) is World Water day 25 people took part in the planting session We are grateful to the councillors and president of the Municipality of Quissico for the hospitality   #communionforest Rev Aurelio Uqueio