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On Sunday, 13 July 2025, the Parish of St. Luke in Albertinia, within the Diocese of George, hosted a Single-Use Plastic-Free Awareness Day. The event was held in partnership with the Hessequa Local Municipality and the Gouritz Biosphere Reserve. Mr. Darryl Muller offered a powerful reflection on the biblical call to environmental stewardship, emphasizing the Christian responsibility to care for creation. Representatives from the Municipality highlighted the environmental and social impacts of plastic pollution in the region, particularly its effect on the nearby nature reserve. To put their faith into action, each parishioner received a waste bag and was encouraged to help keep the town clean by avoiding littering. The Parish of St. Luke is also looking forward to hosting a community clean-up day in partnership with the local municipality during the month of September. We give thanks to The Rector Reverend Jo-Ann Claassen for her leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship.

On Sunday 20 July, in a joyful celebration of faith and creation care, the Confirmation group at St Martin Efidi Parish in Namibia marked their special day not only by affirming their Christian commitment but also by acting for the environment. As part of their Confirmation journey, each candidate was encouraged to bring a fruit or shade tree as a powerful symbol of hope, growth, and responsibility. This initiative, titled “Plant a Tree: Grow Faith, Grow Hope,” is rooted in the call to advocate for climate change resilience within our communities. As climate change impacts continue to threaten ecosystems and livelihoods, especially in vulnerable regions like Namibia, the parish has taken a firm step in promoting environmental stewardship among its youth. “I am proud that my parish is doing its best to respond to the climate crisis. This is a small but powerful step in the right direction,” shared the Diocesan Environmental Coordinator Revd Selma. St Martin Efidi joins a growing movement of Green Anglicans across Southern Africa who are integrating faith with action, teaching that to follow Christ means to also protect the Earth.

Today in the parish of Saviour of the World in Xai- Xai, Anglican Diocese of Maciene, we spoke about the impacts of plastic pollution on the terrestrial and marine eco-systems and on human health. We also presented possible solutions to reduce the use of plastic and inadequate waste disposal Padre Aurelio Uqueio JULHO LIVRE DE PLÁSTICO HOJE NA PARÓQUIA SALVADOR DO MUNDO EM XAI-XAI, DIOCESE ANGLICANA DE MACIENE, CONVERSAMOS SOBRE OS IMPACTOS DA POLUIÇÃO PLÁSTICA NOS ECOSSISTEMAS TERRESTRES E AQUÁTICOS, E NA SAÚDE HUMANA. APRESENTAMOS AS POSSÍVEIS SOLUÇÕES PARA REDUZIR O CONSUMO E DESCARTE INADEQUADO DE PLÁSTICO.

On the 6th of July 2025, a tree was planted at the Parish of Bernard Mizeki in Sebokeng, in the Diocese of Christ the King, a simple yet powerful act of hope and restoration. The tree was generously sponsored by the diocesan Mothers’ Union Eco-champ Mme Elsa Maphalla, who gifted it to the congregation as a symbol of her commitment to saving the environment and restoring nature. In her words, “This tree is more than just a plant. It is a sign of healing, for our earth, for our communities, and for future generations.” This act of love is part of a growing movement of faithful Mothers Union members leading environmental stewardship in their communities. Another inspiring Mothers Union member from the diocese of Christ the King is Mme Moogo Lepota from St John, Boipatong in Vanderbijlpark, who started a vegetable garden around March/April this year. The harvest from the garden has been shared with those who are vulnerable, including donations to a nearby hospice, showing how care for the land can become care for one another. Our mothers are nurturing the earth and nourishing lives.

On Saturday, 28 June 2025, the Green Anglicans Diocesan team from the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist gathered to map out its strategic plan for 2025 and beyond. The planning session focused on strengthening environmental ministry efforts in the diocese, fostering collaboration, and addressing urgent environmental challenges. The session began with a reflection on personal commitment, as each team member shared their understanding of their role within the Green Anglicans ministry and what the mission means within the diocesan context. This grounding helped align the team with a shared vision and purpose. Key environmental issues facing the diocese were identified, with waste pollution and deforestation top concerns. A recurring theme was the lack of awareness among community members; many are unsure who to contact for clean-up initiatives or where to source trees for planting. In response, the diocesan team committed to three strategic focus areas for the coming year: Recruitment and Expansion: Actively involve representatives from all diocesan organizations in the Green Anglicans ministry to create a united and active environmental network. Community Clean-Up Campaigns: Organize and host regular clean-up events across the diocese, engaging youth, parishes, and the wider community. Tree Planting and Awareness Drives: Collaborate with provincial and local government structures to promote the planting of indigenous trees, especially important in a region facing extreme temperatures. This plan marks a renewed commitment to caring for creation and empowering local communities with knowledge and action. As climate challenges grow, the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist is stepping up to be a green beacon of faith and environmental justice in Limpopo and beyond.

It was more than just a cleanup—it was a movement. Students in Kabuku Town rolled up their sleeves and hit the streets alongside Bishop Dr. Emily Onyango, kicking off a powerful day of climate action organised by the Centre for Anglican Women’s Leadership and Research in Africa (CAWLRA). The event, held at St Paul’s Limuru, brought together inspiring leaders including Canon Rachel Mash, Rev Dennis Nthenge, and Rev Captain Janet Kariuki from the Green Anglicans movement. Rev Dennis shared his personal challenge to “Follow Your Waste”—a campaign that took him from his own bin to Dandora dumpsite. “I saw kids playing barefoot near burning piles of plastic. Families raising children in smoke-filled air. It hit me—our waste doesn’t disappear, it just moves… often into someone else’s home.” He urged students to rethink how they manage their trash: sort it at the source, separate plastics, glass, and organic waste, and see waste not as garbage—but as opportunity. “This is more than going green,” he said. “It’s loving your unseen neighbour. It’s living the Gospel.” Canon Rachel Mash brought a hard truth from scripture: “I brought you into a fertile land, but you made my inheritance detestable” (Jeremiah 2:7). She reminded the group how plastic is now everywhere—our rivers, our food, even unborn babies. She challenged students to take action like activists and innovators: With high energy, the student team swept through the streets of Kabuku, turning faith into action and leaving a visible difference behind. Rev Dennis also shared striking photos from his Dandora visit, part of Tearfund’s environmental campaign—images that challenged everyone to do more, and do it now. 📸 Photo credits: Tearfund and St Paul’s Limuru