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.
