Rachel Mash

From February 26 to 28, 2025, nineteen Mothers’ Union members from ten churches in the Diocese of Port Elizabeth participated in Farming God’s Way training for home food gardens. The training began with a biblical reflection, emphasizing God as the first farmer who planted the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8) and entrusted humanity with the responsibility to work and care for the land (Genesis 2:15). The three-day course combined theory and practical lessons, focusing on three key areas: Biblical, Management, and Technology resources. The six biblical principles taught were: The Garden of Eden served as a central theme, illustrating three key relationships: God and human, human and plants, and the interconnection between all creation. The facilitators emphasized that God created everything we need, but we often fail to see it. As a church, we often believe we are doing good by giving handouts to the needy, yet we may unknowingly promote dependency rather than empowerment. Instead of truly fighting poverty, we risk creating a community that is reliant on handouts, forgetting that Christ said, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” (Mat 4:19). The training challenged us to reflect on: What now? How can we inspire others to return to God’s way, acknowledge our past mistakes, and embrace sustainable, faith-driven farming? In order to have healthy people, we require healthy food from healthy soil—living soil, as created by God in the first garden. We must commit to restoring and caring for the land as God intended. A big thank you to Anglican Environmental Network SA ( Green Anglicans) and the United Thank Offering for making this training possible. By: Mrs Vumazonke                                  

“Let there be no waste!” (John 6:12) Devotion and welcome The brand new SACC Climate Commission was officially launched by General Secretary Rev Mzwandile Molo on the 25th of February at St. Stephen’s Ethiopian Episcopal Church, Mendi Avenue, Langa. The event was held in partnership with the Langa Spiritual Leaders Fraternal The event started with a devotion led by Climate Commissioner for the Uniting Presbyterian Church in SA  Rev Mzwamadoda Mfene who unpacked the theme from John 6:12. After Jesus had fed the 5000, he called upon his disciples to collect up all the people, saying, “let there be no waste”. This challenges us all as individuals as communities and challenges  the municipality to re-think how we handle waste Rev Siyabulela Tshatshu, chair of the Langa spiritual leaders fraternal welcomed us. The fraternal is  strong body with representatives from 44 churches! Why we are here! Rev Canon Rachel Mash, who is the convenor of the SACC Climate Commission and representative of the Anglican Church  explained the purpose of the gathering. The SACC Climate Commission has a three year plan  – the first year is waste, the second a tree growing campaign, and the third year will be looking at preparedness for climate disasters. Reflecting on the need for tree planting she said that the difference in temperature between our ‘leafy suburbs’ and a shack with no trees and no insulation may be as high as 15 degrees! Messages of support Messages of support were brought  from the Western Cape Council of Churches, and SAFCEI (Southern Africa Faith Communities Environmental Institute). We are very grateful for the support of SAFCEI for this event!. Messages were brought by  local Fraternals, the City of Cape Town – Climate Change directorate and the local Community Policing Forum. It was shocking to hear how crime spikes during hot temperatures! An encouraging  message of support was sent from Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay General Secretary World Council of Churches. “ From contextual eco-spiritual reflections to agro-ecological projects to engaging in social dialogue on alternative mining and Just Transitions, churches in South Africa have been leading the way and have much more to contribute to the growing faith-based movement for climate justice. We especially applaud the young people for their commitment in calling out ecological inequities and in co-creating alternatives for a flourishing planet. Once again, many congratulations to the new SACC Climate Commission! We pray that the SACC Climate Commission be blessed with wisdom, imagination, and boldness as it moves forward. The climate emergency demands all hands, feet, and hearts on board. Together, as a global ecumenical family, let us build a more just, peaceful and sustainable planet! The impact of plastic pollution in our communities Zainab Adams  from  Environmental Humanities- UCT  led an interactive discussion on “The Impact of Plastic on Communities”. The impacts are severe – attracting flies and rats, blocking drains which leads to flooding. Burning plastic causes toxic fumes and the production of plastic creates carbon emissions.  She invited the churches of Langa to join an initiative called the “Critical zones ‘ project The official launch Rev. Mzwandile Molo  the SACC General Secretary then led us  in a challenging message : when the church leaders are committed then everything is possible – we can act out of hope. He reminded us of the words of the song Mercy Mercy me “ things aint what they used to be  – where did all the blue sky go, poison in the air – how much more abuse from man can Mother Earth stand.”  Humanity must confess our arrogance -we don’t take care of Nature  it is Nature that takes care of us . The issue is not the survival of nature – nature will survive – the issue is the survival of the human species. Nature will spit us out and survive again. The SACC Conference chose the theme of Choose Life – and knew that at the centre of God’s creation is the earth – we are late comers. God so loved the whole world! When we talk about salvation we need to understand that also involved Creation. Gods eschatalogical future – God’s ultimate victory is not the victory of human beings but it is a new Earth. We need to get our theology right . The church must be involved in behaviour change, starting with our hymns and preaching. Rev Molo then lit a candle to symbolise the launch of the SACC climate Commission with Rev Mfene, Major Phore, Rev Rachel Mash, who represented the other Commissioners who are in different parts of the country Clean up in the streets of Langa Major Phore SACC Climate Commissioner representative of the  Salvation Army  then prayed for us and  sent us out to the streets of Langa for a clean up , moving from the Ethiopian church to the New Holy Apostolic Jerusalem Church of SA in Langa where Bishop. Makalusa gave us the final blessing The Clean up effort  was supported by the Litterboom Project who are working in the Community of Langa and are interested to form partnerships with the Churches. They collected over 1.2 tonnes of waste during the two days! Let there be no waste!    

On October 26, 2024, a group from the Young People’s Ministry, including Sunday School, Brigade, Bible and Confirmation class candidates, and Service Guild members, went on a hiking trip organized by PRIDE OF TABLE MOUNTAIN. Despite the heat, we were excited and prepared with sunblock, hats, and water bottles. At Kirstenbosch Gardens, we were welcomed with sandwiches and juice before being divided into two groups. One started at the famous “Boomslang” walkway, a steel-and-wood bridge over the gardens, while the other took a hiking trail and ended at the Boomslang. The guides were engaging, teaching us about water conservation, plant life, and the environment through interactive questions. We took breaks to appreciate the scenery and learn about different plants, including alien vegetation like silk trees. We explored Proteas, Ericas, Fynbos, and reeds, learning their significance and uses. It was fascinating to see how nature provides for everything. Due to the intense heat, we couldn’t complete the full hike, but being outdoors, making new friends, and learning made it worthwhile. Afterward, we relaxed under the trees with more sandwiches and drinks. Huge thanks to Pride of Table Mountain for an incredible day and to the guides and volunteers who made it fun and educational. We truly appreciate this opportunity! Blessings,YPM St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Steenberg

Join us this Lent for the Sustainable Shift . For years, we’ve been fed this idea that humans are the problem, that just by existing, we’re harming the planet. Everywhere we turn, we’re told to do less, take less, be less. And sure, being mindful matters, but what if our real power isn’t in pulling back, but in stepping up? What if we’re not here to shrink our existence, but to find our light and let it shine—brightly, boldly, and unapologetically? Maybe it’s time to rethink what it means to leave a footprint. It’s time to rewrite the story. What Does It Mean to Maximize? Maximizing our footprint isn’t about being reckless or consuming endlessly. It’s about showing up with intention. It’s about recognizing that we do have power—and using that power to create more good in the world. Download the Lenten Calendar, follow the actions and share your progress with u #Lent2025 #sustainableshift Sustainable Shift – Carbon Fast for the Earth https://bit.ly/sustainable-shift

The Episcopal Diocese of Wanyjok, South Sudan, launches a tree plantation   Bishop Joseph Mamer Manot launched the plantation with the presence of a team from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) based in NBeG State-Aweil

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