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On Saturday, 7 March 2026, members of the Anglican Youth Fellowship from the Diocese of False Bay gathered for a spiritual hike and Bible study at Newlands Forest. The hike created space for young people to reconnect with God through prayer, Scripture, and reflection while surrounded by the beauty of creation. During the hike, the youth reflected on the importance of reading and meditating on the Word of God. In a world where social media, societal expectations, and constant noise can cloud our judgment and distract us from our identity, the group intentionally withdrew into nature to seek God’s presence. The mountain setting offered a quiet environment in which they could surrender themselves to God and allow His Word to guide their steps. The programme included moments of Scripture reading, reflection, and prayer. Participants first reflected on Psalm 119:105, “Your word is the lamp to my feet and the light to my path,” reminding them that God’s Word provides guidance in life’s journey. They then spent time in self-examination through Psalm 139:23–24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” This moment encouraged the youth to reflect honestly on their lives and invite God to lead them toward transformation. The reflection concluded with a time of release, guided by 1 Peter 5:7, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Participants were invited to surrender their fears, burdens, and anxieties to God in prayer. The event took place during the Lenten season, with the hope of deepening the sacrifices and spiritual disciplines many young people are observing during this period of repentance and renewed focus. As part of the ongoing commitment, AYF in the Diocese of False Bay continues to encourage all young people to care for God’s creation. During the hike, participants were reminded to respect the natural environment, refrain from littering, and embrace sustainable practices. In line with this commitment, the programme for the day was shared digitally rather than printed, helping to reduce unnecessary paper waste. Credits Programme, devotional and trail talk: Diocesan Secretary – Richael RakgalakaneContent (Pictures): Diocesan Treasurer: Xola Maci  

On Saturday, 7 March 2026, the Diocese of the Free State marked a meaningful step in its commitment to environmental stewardship through the Green Anglican movement by distributing trees to archdeaconries across the Diocese. The initiative formed part of a collaborative effort between the Church and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, which generously donated 50 trees to support the Diocese’s environmental mission. The trees were presented during a gathering of the College of Lay Ministers, where leaders from different archdeaconries were in attendance. The donation symbolised more than a simple act of planting trees. It represented a shared responsibility between faith communities and society to care for the earth and protect the environment for future generations. To ensure the donation’s impact reached communities throughout the Diocese, the 50 trees were carefully divided among the archdeaconries, with each archdeaconry receiving five trees. These trees will be planted in parishes across the different regions, serving both as environmental contributions and as visible reminders of the Church’s commitment to caring for creation. During the distribution, eco-champ Ikaelelo Kgomotso Madikgetla,  gave a short presentation to the archdeaconry chairpersons as they received the trees. The presentation examined the theological significance of environmental care in the Christian faith and highlighted the role of church leaders in encouraging sustainable practices in their parishes. Participants were reminded that environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in Scripture and Christian responsibility. As the trees were handed over, a message accompanied the moment, drawing from the biblical mandate found in Genesis 2:15, which calls humanity to care for the earth: “The Lord took the human and put him in the garden to till it and keep it.” The message encouraged recipients to see the planting and nurturing of the trees as a symbol of their ministry. As they care for the trees in their parishes, they are reminded that ministry itself is also about cultivating life, nurturing communities, and ensuring that future generations inherit a world that is cared for and protected. The initiative was warmly received by the archdeaconry leadership, who expressed appreciation for the partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The distribution of the trees is expected to inspire parishes to take further steps toward environmental awareness and sustainable practices within their communities. Through actions such as these, the Diocese of the Free State continues to embody the spirit of the Green Anglican movement, demonstrating that faith and environmental responsibility are deeply connected. By planting these trees, the Church not only contributes to ecological restoration but also plants seeds of awareness, responsibility, and hope within its communities. As these trees take root and grow across the Diocese, they will stand as living symbols of the Church’s commitment to caring for God’s creation and ensuring that ministry continues to bear fruit in both spiritual and environmental ways. Article prepared by: Eco-Champ  Ikaelelo Kgomotso Madikgetla  

“We are not mourners at the deathbed of the Earth, we are midwives at the birth of the New Creation.” The newly formed Women’s Faith and Climate Network (2024) met for three days just as war broke out in the Middle East. From different countries, contexts and faiths we gathered with one shared conviction—that networks of women of faith may hold a key role in scaling up climate action. We met during a sacred season – celebrating Lent, Ramadan, Purim and Holi. One of the largest, yet often hidden, ways to scale up climate action lies within the vast networks of women of faith. For example: the Anglican Mothers’ Union has over 4 million members in 83 countries; there are 600,000 Catholic Sisters worldwide; the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation has 6 million women; and the Self Employed Women’s Association (a secular network with strong spiritual roots) has 3.8 million members in India and beyond.Action is already happening. The Laudato Si Movement has trained 20,000 ‘animators’ worldwide. The Mothers’ Union has started a programme called Eco Champs in five African countries and has a vision to expand to five more countries in 2026. The Self Employed Women’s Association has launched the “Clean Skies Campaign.” The Tzu Chi foundation is drilling wells for clean water,and training in conservation agriculture. This conference marked the first formal meeting of the newly formed Network and provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, deepen relationships, and develop practical collaborations. We began the meeting with an inspiring message from Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and one of the “Elders.” “We must allow ourselves to practice broken-heartedness – together. A broken heart is not a weak heart, it is an open heart. Grief shared in community can become a source of courage.” During the gathering, Mme Meisie Lerutla, President of the Provincial Mothers’ Union in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, shared the MU model of Eco-Champions. The MU passed a resolution that each Diocese should appoint an Eco-champ to mobilise MU branches in their Diocese for environmental action. The results in the last two years since the initial training have been remarkable. Clean-ups, training in Farming God’s Way, tree growing, water saving and environmental education – the champions have been working hard. The dream is to roll out the vision in five new countries at a gathering in May and to share the concept of MU Eco-Champs at the Worldwide Celebration of the Mothers’ Union in November. We were also able to meet with Naomi Herbert – head of MU Global Strategic Partnerships to discuss the program Another Anglican representative was Siva Sunia from Tonga, who spoke about the Pacific concept of the “weaving of the ecological mat.” Drawing on traditional imagery, she described how caring for creation requires the careful weaving together of relationships—between people, cultures, faith traditions and the natural world—so that the mat of life remains strong for future generations. The youth of the Anglican Diocese of Tonga are part of the Safe and Resilient Church campaign, working with Anglican parishes to assess vulnerabilities – from food and water security to shelter and disaster preparedness. Youth led the work: collecting data, mapping low-lying areas and preparing action plans. The programme has strengthened church buildings to be used as cyclone shelters, created evacuation routes, and supported alternative livelihoods such as sustainable farming. It is practical climate action – rooted in faith, community and resilience. The spiritual dimension of the gathering was also significant. We shared iftar together, celebrated Purim (the Jewish celebration of Esther) and joined in a dawn Lenten service. Reflecting on Romans 8:22 Rev Rachel said, “Creation is groaning in childbirth.” She continued, “We are not mourners at the deathbed of the Earth; we are midwives of the new Creation.” We also reflected on the message of Esther 4:14:“Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?” Official Photo Credit -Wilton Park With great appreciation to Alison Hlliard, Jean Duff, Project Dandelion and all those who worked so hard and donated their time and finances to make this possible!

On Saturday, 28 February 2026, members of the St Francis Servers Guild from the Diocese of the Free State gathered at the Church of the Resurrection for their Annual Diocesan Council Meeting. Guided by the Diocesan mission and vision of Serving The Broken World, the servers moved beyond discussion into action. Members participated in a community outreach initiative, cleaning the yard of a local resident as a practical expression of their faith. The message shared with young people and those in attendance was clear and compelling: “We are called not only to worship, but to serve. By taking time to care for our surroundings, we actively contribute to healing a broken world. Keeping our environment clean is a simple yet powerful step toward addressing environmental crises, and it reminds us that meaningful change begins with collective action and shared responsibility”, said Eco-Champ Puleng Ntlatseng. By working together to restore dignity and cleanliness in the community, the servers embodied their calling to be servants of hope and healing in a broken world.

On Saturday, 28 February 2026, members of the Brotherhood of St Andrew Men’s and Youth Guild from the Diocese of Free State gathered at St Paul Anglican Church for their Annual General Meeting. During the meeting, Eco-Champ Mogorosi Molisapoli, (Diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinator), addressed the Brotherhood on the theme of Caring for Creation. He highlighted the Restoration 2026: Fix Carbon Fast initiative, spoke about pressing environmental challenges, and called on members to repent and to renew their commitment to stewarding God’s creation faithfully and responsibly. At the conclusion of the meeting, members of the Brotherhood of St Andrew presented trees to the incumbent, Archdeacon Morata, and the churchwarden of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Ficksburg. The trees symbolised their shared commitment to safeguarding creation and renewing the life of the earth. Special appreciation was extended to the Diocesan Chaplain, Revd Matee, and the Diocesan President, Brother Maqalika, for inviting the Green Anglicans and for their commitment to promoting the care of creation among men and youth within the Diocese.