News

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”. – 1 Corinthians 10:31 The way we prepare our food impacts the environment, and by making small changes, we can reduce waste, save energy, and honor God’s gift of the Earth. Eco-Friendly Cooking Tips Use Energy-Efficient Appliances – Choose energy-saving stoves, ovens, and microwaves. Cooking with pressure cookers and slow cookers uses less energy than traditional methods. Cook in Batches – Preparing meals in larger quantities saves time, energy, and reduces waste. Reheating uses less energy than cooking from scratch every time. Eat More Plant-Based Meals – Reducing meat consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions, conserves water, and reduces deforestation. Choose Local and Seasonal Foods – Supporting local farmers reduces transportation emissions and ensures fresher, healthier food. Reduce Food Waste – Plan meals, store food properly, and use leftovers creatively to minimize waste. Remember, Jesus taught us to be grateful and not wasteful (John 6:12). Use Sustainable Cooking Methods – Opt for steaming, boiling, or stir-frying over deep frying, which requires more energy and oil. Switch to Eco-Friendly Fuel – If possible, use renewable energy sources, such as solar cookers or electric induction stoves, which are more energy-efficient than gas or wood. Compost Food Scraps – Instead of throwing away peels and leftovers, compost them to create natural fertilizer. By cooking in a way that respects God’s creation, we help protect the environment, improve our health, and set an example of responsible stewardship. Let’s glorify God through our daily actions, even in the kitchen! 🍃🍽️🔥

It was a weekend filled with jubilation as members of the Mothers’ Union across the Anglican Church of Southern Africa celebrated their Annual Lady Day a day, also known as the Feast of the Annunciation, is a significant day for the Mothers’ Union (MU) since 1897, celebrated annually on March 25th, as a day of prayer, intercession, and thanksgiving day which took place on the weekend of 30 March 2025. The Diocese of Johannesburg marked the occasion by planting a tree after the church service at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Joseph in central Johannesburg as a symbol of hope. The event was graced by Mothers’ Union Provincial President Mme Meisie Lerutla, Diocesan President Siphokazi Maqhina, Diocesan Bishop, the Right Revd Dr. Steve Moreo, Diocesan Mothers’ Union Chaplain, and Mme Pama, the Worldwide Vice President of the Girls’ and Boys’ Friendly Society, together with diocesan representatives. In the Diocese of Grahamstown, the Alice Archdeaconry celebrated Lady Day with tree planting and water education, led by a Mothers’ Union eco-champion. She demonstrated how mothers could use drip irrigation with plastic bottles to conserve water, a precious resource in the region. In the Diocese of Mpumalanga, the Coalfields Archdeaconry Mothers’ Union celebrated Lady Day in style, with the presence of the MU Chaplain and the Diocesan President. Members planted a tree at the Parish of St. Mary’s KwaGuqa. On the same day, the Lowveld Archdeaconry also marked the occasion by observing National Water Week, hosting an awareness campaign on water conservation. The Diocese of Saldanha Bay also celebrated Lady Day by planting three Olive trees at St Timothy Fractreton Kensington Cape Town.        

The Cape Town Diocesan Family Day took place on Transfiguration Sunday, 2nd March 2025 at St George’s Grammar School. Presided by Bishop Joshua Louw and Preacher, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. A special collection was taken for the Eluvukweni Church Building project. Congregants gathered from across the Diocese to enjoy the outdoor service and to enjoy the great outdoors. Rev Rachel Mash reminded the people of the beaut of Cape Town as were worshipped to the backdrop of Table Mountain. After the service people picniced and braaied as the young people enjoyed some games (soccer, volleyball, and ) and a kids creativity corner, which was organized by the Diocesan YPM committee with the support of the Anglican Youth Fellowship.

From the 18th to the 20th of March, Faith Leaders from across Southern Africa ( Eswatini, South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique)  gathered at Schoenstatt Retreat Centre in  Cape Town for a Faith Leader Environmental Advocacy Training (FLEAT) Energy and Climate Justice workshop. The workshop brought together faith-based organizations, environmental activists, and policy experts; eight were Anglicans from both ACSA and IAMA Provinces. The leaders discussed the urgent need to transition to sustainable and equitable energy systems. This transition is not just a technical or economic issue but a moral and ethical imperative deeply rooted in our responsibility to care for creation and uphold justice for vulnerable communities. Faith and Environmental Stewardship Faith traditions across the world emphasize the sacredness of creation and the duty of stewardship. The workshop reinforced the importance of integrating faith-based perspectives into climate justice and energy transition discussions. As faith leaders, we must advocate for policies and practices that prioritize people and the planet over profit. This means challenging extractive industries that harm communities, advocating for renewable energy solutions, and ensuring that the transition to clean energy does not come at the expense of marginalized populations. Key Discussions and Insights The Urgency of a Just TransitionThe workshop highlighted that South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, has devastating environmental and social consequences. Air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change impacts are disproportionately felt by low-income communities. A Just Energy Transition seeks to move towards renewable energy sources while ensuring that workers and affected communities are not left behind. Community Engagement and ParticipationOne of the strongest messages from the workshop was the need for meaningful engagement with communities directly impacted by energy transitions. Faith leaders play a crucial role in bridging the gap between policymakers and grassroots movements, ensuring that decisions are made with the participation of those most affected. Ethical Investments and Divestment from Fossil FuelsFaith institutions manage significant financial resources. A key discussion was the role of ethical investments in promoting sustainability. Divesting from fossil fuel industries and investing in community-led renewable energy projects aligns with the moral obligation to protect the environment and uphold social justice. Energy Justice and InequalityThe transition must address historical injustices. Many communities in South Africa still lack access to reliable electricity, while others suffer the health burdens of living near coal mines and power stations. The workshop emphasized the need for policies that ensure affordable and sustainable energy access for all. Call to Action for Faith Leaders Faith communities have a unique ability to mobilize and inspire action. As faith leaders, we must: Advocate for policy changes that promote clean energy and protect vulnerable communities. Educate congregations on the impacts of fossil fuels and the benefits of renewable energy. Engage in ethical investments that align with sustainability and social justice. Foster interfaith collaboration to strengthen collective advocacy efforts. Conclusion The FLEAT workshop reinforced the urgency of faith-based action in Energy Justice. As both an environmentalist and a person of faith, I am committed to championing this cause. We must act now to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially just. Through faith and action, we can build a future that honours both creation and community. By Tshegofatso Lekgetho

On March 21st, the Green Anglicans in the Diocese of Mthatha hosted an Environmental Awareness Workshop at the church of the Transfiguration in Nzwakazi, in the Archdeaconry of Misty Mount. The diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinators, Mr. Bonginkosi White, and Ms. Tuletu Ngudle, along with the Diocesan Chaplain, Revd. M. W. Mpumlwana, led discussions on environmental stewardship. Key topics included: Waste management Water conservation Sustainable kitchen gardens Soya bean cultivation, its products, and benefits Attendees also had the opportunity to taste soya-based products such as bread, scones, and biscuits. The workshop was well attended by representatives from all parishes within the Archdeaconry of Misty Mount. Revd. S. Nondonga from the Archdeaconry of Mzimvubu was also present and expressed keen interest in the Green Anglicans movement. As climate change continues to impact our communities, we encourage parishes and archdeaconries within the Diocese of Mthatha to invite the Green Anglicans team for similar workshops. Together, we can take action to mitigate environmental challenges and care for God’s creation. By: Mr. B. White