News

On Monday 17 June 2024 , 43 young people from the ecumenical joined the Climate YES one day workshop on Generational Restoration under climate justice. Eco-champ Morena Pule ( attendee of CY 2023 Bootcamp) began the day with a brief bible study on See, Judge and Act using Deuteronomy 6 as the base of bible study, the aim here was to make attendees aware that we cannot do anything if we do not open our eyes and minds to see, then judge for us to reach the goal of eco-restoration as a generation. The day progressed with a hands-on activity where attendees had to think about the different communities in which they come from and identify areas which need to be converted into better habitats for all creation. Attendees also took time to look at the root causes and came up possible solutions. Some of the key solutions was the call to mobilize faith leaders and groom them into eco-champs as they have a seat in strategic government and private sector networks, the need for Climate Change issue to be an inter-generational thing and not just focus on young people as our context still listens more to elders than they would to young people. The day ended off with a message from the Free State Diocesan Mothers Union President who committed and pledge her support in mobilizing mothers to support and listen to young people when it came to issues of eco-restoration. Photo credit: Morena Pule  

On Saturday 15 June 2024 over 80 young people from across the Diocese of Matlosane gathered together at the Diocesan Centre to celebrate nation youth day under the theme of Care for Creation . The day started of with an outside eucharist service lead by the Diocesan Bishop , where he encouraged the youth to new stop dream and chasing their dreams to become reality, but equally so they should learn to let go of things that keep hold one back from achieving the ultimate goal. He also encouraged the youth to take care of the environment by getting involved and embracing the Green Anglicans movement, as we only have one common home with all creation and need to therefore, they is a need to live in harmony with all creation. After the service the young people went into different groups for a bible study under the theme of :Generational Restoration , where they had to observe they’re surroundings and notice what has been broken, develop a plan and list action points. Part of the bible group discussions was for each group to look at how best young people can Recycle, Reuse and Reduce Plastic, Tins and Bottles. The day ended with the #Serethe challenges where the Bishop Diseko, Diocesan Servers Chaplain Revd Setlhafuno ,Diocesan Youth Coordinator Kgowe Moleme, Diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinator Ven. Peme and all young people took part as part of the provincial challenge .  Photo credit : Kgowe Moleme

Anglican Women Fellowship members from St Alphege Parish at Libode in the Diocese of Mthatha celebrated World Environment Day on 5 June by planting a spekboom on the parish grounds. Spekboom ( igwanisha in Xhosa) is a waterwise plant has medicinal properties and the leaves can be added to salads. Spekboom also helps clean the air because it absorbs a lot of carbon dioxide. So by planting a spekboom we are mitigating climate change. By: Thulethu Ngudle

Mothers Union in the Diocese of Lesotho had planned to commemorate World Environment Day on the 9th instead of 5th June 2024 as it fell within week day. Despite the freezing cold and snowy week, the St. Mary and John Parish in Maseru, had a session on the theme “Land, Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” (translated in Sesotho), followed by comprehensive cleaning campaign of the church’s surroundings, de-weeding their existing flowering lawn and preparing soil for the additional new lawn. They appreciated the teamwork and unity brought by this day. They sung while working and shared their homemade meal afterwards. by: ‘Máseitshiro Khooe

  On the 05th June 2024 the Parish of St Peter’s Greenpoint hosted the Bishop and had the confirmation service that coincided with World Environment Day and as a symbol our of faith and commitment to caring for creation a small spekkebom plant was planted. #Careforcreation#EnvironmentalDay#CommunionForest#RadiatingChristslove#DioceseofKimbeley&Kururman by :Revd Tshenolo ,Ms.Kaone & Ms.Refilwe

Attending the FLEAT which took place at the Cape Town City Lodge  from the 21-24 May 2024  as a member of the Anglican Church was a transformative experience. The training brought together faith leaders from various denominations, united by a common purpose: to address environmental issues through the lens of faith and spirituality. One of the highlights was the rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. As Anglicans, we often emphasize stewardship of God’s creation, and it was inspiring to see this echoed in the teachings and practices of other faith traditions. We discussed how our faiths can dive environmental advocacy, focusing on the moral imperative to care for the earth and all its inhabitants. The workshops were particularly impactful. They provided practical tools and strategies for advocating for environmental policies within our communities and beyond. I left with a clearer understanding of how to effectively mobilize my congregation and engage with local and national leaders on environmental issues. Networking with fellow attendees was another significant aspect. Sharing experiences and challenges helped build a sense of solidarity and collective purpose. We developed a network of support that extends beyond the training, enabling ongoing collaboration and mutual encouragement in our advocacy efforts. The training also deepened my theological understanding of environmental stewardship. Through scripture study and theological reflection, we explored the biblical basis for environmental care, reinforcing that protecting the environment is not just a secular concern but a vital aspect of our faith practice. Overall, FLEAT was a profound experience that strengthened my commitment to environmental advocacy. It equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual grounding to lead my community in making a positive impact on the environment, aligned with our Anglican values. #SAFCEI Tshegofatso Lekgetho