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Fourteen members of the Mothers’ Union from the Diocese of Highveld took part in the Farming God’s Way Saturday training series held on 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August and 6 September 2025 in Benoni, east of Johannesburg. The sessions were led by a passionate and knowledgeable facilitator whose heartfelt teaching and engaging approach deeply inspired participants, creating a meaningful and transformative learning experience. A key highlight for many was discovering the deep connection between farming and the Bible realising that many agricultural principles reflect God’s Word. Participants were encouraged to approach farming with intention, excellence, and a sense of faith. The concept of “Stake My Claim” stood out especially, resonating deeply with participants on both a personal and spiritual level. In her reflection, Mrs Nobesotho Mdebuka, a Mothers’ Union member who attended, said, “Understanding farming in this way was just so phenomenal. Implementing what we were taught at home is a wonderful experience. Seeing the real difference between conventional farming and Farming God’s Way in my own garden is truly amazing.”

On Wednesday, 29th October 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Local Conference of Youth in Sandton, which was a deeply transformative experience. As a human Rights Activist and an Eco-Champion from the Diocese of Free, I have often viewed advocacy through the lens of social justice and equality. However, this conference broadened my understanding of how environmental justice is inextricably linked to human rights. Listening to experts and youth leaders discuss the Just Transition, food insecurity, and climate governance made me realise that activism must evolve beyond awareness campaigns; it must integrate policy literacy, collaboration, and accountability. What stood out to me most was the repeated call for youth to move from passion to policy. Advocacy is not just about being vocal; it is about being informed, strategic, and persistent in influencing systemic change. The conference challenged my perspective on activism, urging me to see that climate justice cannot exist without economic justice and social inclusion. Personally, I left the conference with renewed clarity that climate justice work requires an intersectional approach. It demands that we think simultaneously about environment, economy, and equity. I also recognised that while young people are often described as “the leaders of tomorrow,” our role is critical today in shaping policy dialogues, monitoring government accountability, and ensuring that the “Just Transition” truly protects the vulnerable. Ultimately, the conference reaffirmed my commitment to being an interdisciplinary activist, bridging the gaps between human rights, environmental advocacy, and community empowerment. It was a reminder that climate action begins not just in policy rooms, but in the everyday choices, collaborations, and courage of those who dare to act. By : Eco- Champ Ikaelelo Kgomotso Madikgetla ( Dio Free State)

The Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman Eco Champions held their second in-person workshop on the 24th – 26th October 2025 at St Paul’s, Mothibistad, in the Archdeaconry of Kgalagadi. The workshop kicked off with an Evening Prayer led by Eco-Champion Kaone Gaetsewe. The workshop was divided into different categories, each exploring the intersection of faith and environmental care. PAINTING OUR THOUGHTS ABOUT CREATION: As we gathered to start off a night with a delightful “Sip and paint” , our paintings were brought to life out of self-reflection about the environment and all its wonders, and what we as the Green Anglican Movement contribute to Creation, our Environmental stewardship stance and reflections on humanity’s role as caretakers of God’s creation. Our artworks, in their uniquely diverse nature, inspire reverence, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility towards the planet.  In caring for creation, we honour God and love our neighbours. “Brushstrokes of beauty, colours of truth, a reflection of nature’s untold youth.” HIKING AS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: Hiking is important because it connects us with nature, promoting physical and mental well-being. It awakens in us a sense of environmental awareness, appreciation, and stewardship, thus inspiring us to protect and conserve our planet’s natural beauty for future generations. Hiking in nature helps reduce stress, boosts one’s mood, and increases energy levels. Being outside, exploring the beautiful creation, gave us the opportunity to clear our minds. It was noted that being in nature also broadens our perspective, sparks creativity, and fosters a sense of calmness, as well as a deeper connection to the world around us. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active and healthy! Hiking can reduce one’s carbon footprint by encouraging eco-friendly travel, promoting sustainable tourism, fostering environmental awareness, and reducing infrastructure needs – every step counts! “MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING”: Creating something from nothing using recyclable materials is a powerful statement about reducing waste and giving old items new life. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and our ability to transform discarded materials into something of value. By repurposing and reimagining recyclable materials, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also unleash our creativity, crafting unique and functional pieces that tell a story of sustainability, and look what we’ve made – useful things like cups, pencil holders, piggy banks, purses, necklaces, bags from old t-shirts, and a lot more. We’ve taken the old, given it a new purpose, and in doing so, we’ve created something truly special. “PLANTING A TREE” On Sunday we planted a tree. Tree planting plays a significant role in the environment, as it supports the earth, which tirelessly produces oxygen for us. In essence, the more trees we plant, the more we enhance air quality around us, prevent soil erosion, and provide a habitat for wildlife. It also plays a vital role in combating climate change, regulating water cycles, and can have positive impacts on mental health and energy efficiency in communities.  Eco-champions vowed to plant as many trees as possible, as a way of caring for the environment. After planting a tree, we continued with a Eucharist Service led by The Venerable T. Hove. She reminded us in her sermon that we should not give up on our lives. She encouraged us to trust that God will fix everything and give us the strength to continue our journey. God is in control, and we should be strong, knowing that He is assuring us of this truth and presence. We also gave out 3 trees to the local Parishes to plant. It was indeed an effective workshop where Eco-Champions were encouraged to take a stand and care for the environment. Article by :Eco-Champ Kaone and Letlotlo Gaetsewe.

From October 14 to 16, 2025, ACT Ubumbano hosted a dynamic three-day Solidarity Hub, uniting 100 community organisers from more than eight African countries, including South Africa, Cameroon, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Kenya, and Zambia. The gathering served as both a collaborative learning space and a platform to share lived experiences and strategies for advancing social justice. Participants from diverse movements and organisations, among them the Green Anglicans, engaged in deep reflection on their own social justice practices, exploring how faith, activism, and community engagement intersect to bring about meaningful change. A strong theme that emerged during the discussions was environmental justice, recognising that the climate crisis continues to deepen existing inequalities across the region. Participants highlighted how communities living on the margins are often the most affected by environmental degradation, droughts, floods, and resource exploitation. The Green Anglicans and other eco-justice advocates emphasised the importance of linking environmental care with broader struggles for social and economic justice, ensuring that sustainability and equity go hand in hand. Central to the Hub’s reflections was the shared recognition of the need to strengthen and sustain solidarity across borders, especially among those working directly with grassroots communities. Through dialogue and collective learning, participants affirmed that true solidarity must be rooted in empathy, mutual accountability, and action that uplifts both people and the planet. The final day of the Hub opened its doors to the public, inviting wider participation in conversations about connecting local struggles across the region. Together, organisers and attendees identified key opportunities to build networks of genuine, transformative solidarity, ones that not only respond to immediate community challenges but also shape a more just, sustainable, and equitable future for all.

SACC Western Cape Youth Ministry Desk hosts a Youth Workshop focusing on Climate ActionOn Saturday, 21 September, the South African Council of Churches Western Cape Youth Ministry Desk hosted a leadership workshop under the theme of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action. This was part of their Ecumenical Youth Leadership Citizens Programme which looks at engaging youth leaders on how they can use their platforms to address issues of the SDG’s. This gathering highlighted the urgent need for faith communities and young leaders to respond to the climate crisis with knowledge, action, and hope. The day started off with a bible study on James 2:14-26 led by Green Anglicans Comms member, John-Paul Roberts who is also part of the SACC-WC Youth Desk committee. The lesson spoke on the fact that we cannot only pray and ask God’s blessing on people but that we actually need to be engaging in what they need. Faith accompanied by actions. Lisakhanya Mathiso from the African Climate Alliance (ACA) was the keynote speaker for the workshop with a presentation on the realities of climate change. She stressed the importance of contextualising the issue so that actions taken by young people can meaningfully benefit their communities. Lisakhanya also shared inspiring examples of ACA’s work in advancing climate action and spoke about how youth across the globe are rising to ensure their voices are heard at influential platforms such as the G20, COP, and the Presidential Climate Commission. The Green Anglicans Movement was represented by Bino Makhalanyane, who led a session on the biblical mandate for climate action. Drawing on both Old and New Testament texts, he reminded participants that “the earth is the Lord’s” and that God entrusts His people with the responsibility to care for His creation. Participants then broke into working groups for a community mapping exercise, where they identified areas of environmental harm caused by human activity. Each group developed an action plan to address these issues, which they will report on at the next workshop session in October.        

On Saturday, 1 November, a group of thirteen enthusiastic Mothers’ Union members gathered at the Parish of  Holy Trinity in King William’s Town, in the Diocese of Grahamstown, for a day filled with learning, laughter, and hands-on experience. The training, led by Mrs Hombisa April, the Diocesan Mothers’ Union Eco-Champ, focused on building skills for sustainable vegetable gardening. The mothers explored everything, from understanding their garden space and improving soil health to composting, selecting the right plants, using natural pest control, and designing and maintaining a thriving garden. One of the highlights of the day was the practical session, where everyone rolled up their sleeves to prepare trench beds and see first-hand how small changes in technique can make a big difference. The group also reflected on the numerous benefits of growing one’s own food, including saving money, improving nutrition, and caring for God’s creation. Adding to the excitement, the Diocesan Mothers’ Union President and Deputy President were present to show their support, celebrating this step toward greener, more resilient communities. The day ended with smiles, muddy hands, and a renewed sense of purpose.