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The Anglican Student Federation (ASF) hosted its annual Provincial Conference from 29 June to 4 July 2025 at the serene Ave Maria Retreat Centre near Mooketsi in Limpopo, South Africa. Over ninety vibrant young people, together with regional Chaplains, gathered from higher learning institutions across Southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini)  to connect, worship, learn, and strategize around the pressing issues of our time. Day 3 of the conference was dedicated to the theme of Climate Justice. The morning began with a refreshing outdoor devotion led by Revd Lundi Joko from the Western Cape. Grounded in Acts 16:16- 34, the Bible study challenged students to reflect on “Environmental Chains,” integrate Care for Creation into their worship, explore ways of “Shaking the System,” and affirm the message of “Salvation for All.” The Bible study sparked meaningful conversations, with students offering innovative solutions and bold commitments to protecting the Earth. Many shared inspiring ideas on how to make their campuses greener and more sustainable. Following the devotion, the group remained outdoors, surrounded by Limpopo’s natural beauty, for an interactive session on Youth and Climate Change facilitated by Bino Makhalanyane. He highlighted the devastating impact the climate crisis has on the future of young people, disrupting education, triggering mental health challenges due to natural disasters, and increasing economic pressure through rising temperatures and failed harvests. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s here, and it’s robbing young people of their full potential,” Bino said. He urged ASF members to use their collective creativity and energy to become changemakers as they’re the ones they have been waiting for. In the spirit of turning ideas into expression, the students were then divided into eight groups and given a unique artistic challenge: interpret their understanding of climate change through creative art. The session ended with the assembly of a collaborative Africa-shaped puzzle carrying the message: “Salvation for All – From Cape to Cairo.” A major milestone from the conference was the passing of a resolution on single-use plastic. ASF committed to: True to their word, the 2025 conference was a Styrofoam-free event, thanks to the leadership and vision of the ASF Executive Committee. This year’s ASF Provincial Conference was a testament to what happens when faith, purpose, and youth energy unite. By rooting climate action in spirituality and community, ASF is setting an example for student movements across the continent.        

On Saturday, 14 June, the youth of the Diocese of Christ the King gathered at Masibambane College in Orange Farm, South of Johannesburg,  for their annual Sports Day, which is one of the lively celebrations of unity, faith, and fun for young people in the diocese. The atmosphere was electric as archdeaconries went head-to-head in spirited soccer and netball matches, showcasing not only athletic talent but also the strength of fellowship across the Diocese. Beyond the competitive games and joyful cheers, the day was marked by a deeper sense of purpose. Youth from across the Diocese joined hands with Green Anglican Youth coordinators in caring for God’s creation. With great energy and enthusiasm, they rolled up their sleeves and helped clean the grounds, picking up litter, recycling where possible, and raising awareness among their peers. This active involvement in environmental stewardship reflects the commitment of the youth to live out their faith in practical ways. Their actions demonstrated that loving God and loving the Earth go hand in hand. “The care and concern the young people showed for the environment is a powerful sign that our church is raising a new generation of eco-champions,” said one of the Green Anglican leaders present on the day. By combining sport, spirituality, and environmental action, the youth in the diocese are taking bold steps toward making the Earth a cleaner, healthier,  place for all. By : Eco-champ Manana Rooi      

The TED Countdown Summit took place in Nairobi from June 16–18, 2025, showcasing Africa as a pivotal hub for climate solutions. Host to over 600 participants—scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, policymaker, faith leaders  and youth from 69 countries—the summit underscored Kenya’s dramatic green energy leadership, with 90% of its grid powered renewably and 50% of that from geothermal Emphasising local resilience, Day 2 highlighted the untapped potential of informal economies, as entrepreneur Anuj Tanna urged unlocking—not fixing—the creative energy of side hustles. Agribusiness pioneer Yi Li noted that ensuring farmers a steady income is essential for climate action Day 3 featured inspiring narratives like Doreen Orishaba’s electric buses and Tasso Azevedo’s satellite-led fight against deforestation. Innovative ideas abounded—from gene-edited microbes to geothermal drilling and legal reforms to curb environmental damage Sessions delivered both big-picture strategies  and grassroots intelligence. From electric vehicles and cold-chain technology to youth empowerment—and even rewilding backyard spaces—Countdown Nairobi blended optimism with urgent climate solutions, anchored in Africa’s ingenuity. Faith leaders had their part to play. A side event was held looking at the role of faith in resilience for climate activists.  Speakers at the event included Gopal Patel, Allen Ottaro (CYNESA), Jakir Manela, Rachel Mash, and Daniel Perell. The very final speaker of the inspiring event  was Tariq Al Olaimy and his inspiring message will be up on Ted.com in the weeks to come , don’t miss it! Gopal’s speech at a previous TED talk can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neipUPkQZBA

On 21 June, the World Council of Churches (WCC) officially kicked off the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action—ten years of focused commitment to climate justice, grounded in faith, community, and bold action. The launch took place during a powerful plenary session chaired by Archbishop Julio Murray, bringing together voices from across six continents. The session mixed deep theological reflections with real-world urgency as church leaders shared stories, challenges, and calls to action. Speakers included Grand Archimandrite Iakovos Krochak (Ecumenical Patriarchate), Ann Jacob (United Methodist Church USA), Rev. Dr Rachel Mash (Anglican Church of Southern Africa), Uhuru Dempers (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia), and Julia Rensberg (Church of Sweden). Rev. Rachel Mash spoke about the recent devastating floods in South Africa, where over 90 lives were lost. She called climate change “the human rights issue of our time” and asked a powerful question: “How can we mobilize 2.4 billion Christians?” Her answer: by transforming the way we pray, preach, and think about faith and the planet. “As we pray, so we believe, so we live,” she said, quoting the phrase Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi. “If we change how we pray, it can shift our beliefs—and that will drive us to act.” She proposed the idea of a global Feast Day of Creation—not just a “spiritual version of Earth Day,” but a day rooted in the heart of Christian faith. “We believe in the Creator, in Christ through whom all things were made, and in the Spirit, the giver of life,” she said. “What better way to mark 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea than by uniting East and West in celebrating creation together?” But the call wasn’t just about ideas—it was about action. Speakers urged churches to move beyond charity and tackle the root causes of climate injustice, especially the way it hits vulnerable communities the hardest. Chief Edmund Stuurman, a Khoi-San elder from South Africa, didn’t hold back: “Those who represent the Lion of Judah must roar like lions—not meow like house cats.”A challenge to faith leaders to stop playing it safe and start taking bold, prophetic steps. Rev. Dr Semisi Turagavou from the Methodist Church in Fiji gave a sobering reminder of what’s at stake. Some islands in the Pacific may disappear within 20 years. “Will you come alongside our boat before it slips beneath the waves?” he asked. The session also featured a moving moment led by youth stewards—a hands-on liturgy with soil and seed, set to a hymn sung at COP28 by Faith Sebwa. It was a symbolic and hopeful gesture: planting seeds of justice. At the end, everyone wrote down a personal prayer or commitment to the Decade of Climate Justice Action—a small step into what promises to be a transformative journey for the global church. 📺 Watch Rev. Rachel Mash’s full talk here:👉 https://youtu.be/IP_GUW8XwXQ 📸 Photos by Albin Hillert / WCC”

It’s been three years since the Communion Forest launched at the Lambeth Conference, and now for the first time, the global steering committee has met in person—bringing energy, ideas, and shared purpose. What started as a bold vision has grown into a movement across continents: planting hope, restoring ecosystems, and building community. The Communion Forest isn’t just about planting trees. It’s about healing the earth, improving food security, and standing together in a time when many communities face division and crisis. From the beaches of Mozambique to the grasslands of Kansas, Anglicans around the world are digging deep—literally—to care for God’s creation. Stories That Inspire Here are just a few of the amazing projects taking root: Papua New Guinea – In Upper Jimi, communities are planting coffee trees not just for income, but to support child protection. A powerful link between climate resilience and social justice. Vanuatu (Melanesia) – The Franciscan Brothers are nurturing a peaceful forest oasis, demonstrating that small communities can make a big difference. Philippines – On the island of Panay, 20,000 mangroves were planted in just two hours thanks to a beautiful collaboration between churches, local government, and hundreds of volunteers! Zimbabwe – A massive 105-hectare site is being transformed with indigenous trees, bringing biodiversity back to church land. Kansas, USA – Bishop Cathleen Bascom’s prairie restoration sparked a wave of action—from one diocese to eleven—and is helping lead environmental work across the Episcopal Church. Brazil – An ecological sanctuary and healing garden now supports an HIV-positive community, showing how climate and compassion go hand in hand. El Salvador – An ecological sanctuary is also a place of prayer and spiritual creativity, blending worship with environmental care. Canada & Uganda – Through the “St. Philip’s Family Project,” churches in Ottawa and Uganda are twinning tree planting efforts—a powerful north-south partnership that brings families together across the globe. Pretoria, South Africa – A sensory healing garden is offering peace, beauty, and renewal in the heart of the city. Kenya: they planted trees with prisoners as part of the World Environment Day celebrations – mission outreach! – the church is now going to construct a small chapel for the prison! And there’s more! The Communion Forest is now part of the Restor platform—a global tool that connects restoration projects with people and data. Suddenly, your small patch of land becomes part of a global tapestry of healing. Meet the New Movers and Shakers Say hello to Rodrigo Espiuca, a human rights lawyer and priest from Brazil, who’s helping us connect more deeply with Latin America and the Lusophone world. We’re also thrilled to welcome Rob Dawes, stepping into a leadership role at the Anglican Alliance. Many will know him from his work with the Mothers’ Union. What’s Next? Over the next three years, we’re putting young people front and center. We’ll be creating focus groups to brainstorm ideas and build momentum. We also want to learn more from indigenous wisdom—especially around theology and advocacy—and reconnect with Bishops who joined us at Lambeth. And here’s the big dream: One Anglican, One Plant Inspired by the Anglican Church of Kenya, we’re encouraging every Anglican to plant something—at confirmations, church festivals, ordinations—wherever we gather in hope. Imagine: a corner of land in every diocese dedicated to the Communion Forest—a place for prayer, reflection, and shade. We’re also diving deeper into the theology of trees—from Orthodox insights to indigenous teachings, like those found in the Ethiopian Forest Churches, where the sacred and natural grow side by side. Stay Tuned! We’ll be rolling out more opportunities to get involved, share your voice, and co-create the future. Got a story to tell or a seed to plant? We want to hear from you. Let’s keep planting hope, together.

The Anglican Communion Forest steering committee had an unforgettable experience walking through Nairobi’s iconic Karura Forest with the passionate Green Anglicans Movement of Kenya. So what’s the deal with Karura Forest?Karura is more than just trees and trails — it’s a living symbol of hope. Back in the 1990s, it was under serious threat from land grabbers. But thanks to the fearless activism of the late Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement, it was saved. Today, it’s over 1,000 hectares of waterfalls, caves, trails, and pure inspiration — proof that peaceful protest can make a difference. The Anglican Church of Kenya is doing its part by protecting sections of the forest, removing invasive species, and planting indigenous trees. Stories that stuck with us: We ended our day planting trees at Archbishop Sapit’s home (he’s on sabbatical), then made a quick stop at Rev. Dennis’ goat farm 🐐. Massive respect to the Green Anglicans of Kenya – you’re lighting the way for the whole continent. Let’s keep growing hope together. 🌱 #GreenAnglicans #KaruraForest #FaithInAction #OneAnglicanOneTree