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Throughout June, members of the Mothers’ Union (MU) across the Diocese of Lesotho commemorated World Environment Day through a variety of environmental activities under the theme “Faith and Stewardship.” Guided by the six R’s: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle, members demonstrated that caring for God’s creation is an important expression of Christian faith. At the Parish of the Resurrection, Mme Mankatana Mot’soanakaba delivered an inspiring presentation on the importance of caring for the environment. She highlighted the strong connection between a clean, healthy, natural environment and human mental health and wellbeing, encouraging parishioners to become responsible stewards of God’s creation. Meanwhile, the Parish of St Martin’s organised a community clean-up and environmental awareness campaign, bringing together church members and residents to care for their neighbourhood while promoting responsible waste management. The Church of the Parish Shepherd also took to the streets of Makhoathi in Maseru to clean up a local illegal dumping site. One of the major challenges identified during the clean-up was the large number of improperly discarded used baby nappies, highlighting the need for greater community awareness around waste disposal and environmental health. As part of restoring dignity while caring for both people and creation, the Mothers’ Union from the Cathedral Parish visited a local school to donate sanitary towels to young girls. This initiative reflected the Mothers’ Union’s commitment to holistic stewardship, caring not only for the environment but also for the well-being and dignity of vulnerable members of the community. Through these activities, the Mothers’ Union demonstrated that environmental stewardship is an integral part of Christian discipleship. By serving both people and the planet, they continue to live out their faith in practical ways, inspiring communities to protect God’s creation for present and future generations.

The Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman Environmental Ministry hosted its annual Eco Champions Consultation Weekend from 26–28 June 2026 at the Parish of the Resurrection in Mmabatho. Held under the inspiring theme, “Plant the Change You Want to See,” the consultation brought together Environmental Ministry representatives from parishes and guilds across the diocese for a weekend of worship, learning, fellowship, leadership development, and practical environmental action. Coordinated by the Revd. Tshenolo Hove, with support from Ordinand Kaone Gaetsewe and Media Officer Remotshepile Ngwenya, the gathering reflected the Diocese’s growing commitment to environmental stewardship as an expression of Christian faith. The consultation opened on Friday evening with a service of Evening Prayer, grounding the weekend in worship and reminding participants that caring for creation is an integral part of God’s mission. The evening continued with a lively Environmental Beauty Pageant, where participants celebrated sustainability by showcasing Traditional Wear, Semi-Formal Wear, and Creative Recycled Wear. The event highlighted the importance of reusing and repurposing materials while demonstrating that environmental awareness can be expressed creatively. The evening concluded with the crowning of the Environmental Ministry ambassadors. Miss Environmental Ministry 2026 was awarded to Letlotlo Gaetsewe from St Michael’s and All Angels, while Onolo Itumeleng from St Paul, Mothibistad, was crowned Mr Environmental Ministry 2026. The first day ended with prayer and thanksgiving. Saturday focused on faith, education, and creativity. Delegates participated in a scripture-based team-building activity that reinforced the biblical call to care for creation while strengthening relationships among participants. A conservation session presented by Pangolin Africa introduced delegates to the importance of protecting pangolins, one of Africa’s most endangered mammals, highlighting the urgent need to preserve biodiversity and protect vulnerable species. In a symbolic act of hope and renewal, delegates enjoyed fresh naartjies before planting the seeds, reminding everyone that even the smallest actions can grow into lasting environmental change. Participants also took part in a community vision drawing exercise, creatively expressing their dreams for cleaner neighbourhoods, environmental justice, empowered young people, and united communities working together to care for creation. The day concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating the creativity, leadership, and dedication shown throughout the consultation, followed by Evening Prayer and fellowship over supper. Sunday’s programme centred on worship and putting faith into action. During the Holy Eucharist, the sermon reflected on the consultation theme, “Plant the Change You Want to See,” encouraging the congregation to take intentional steps towards protecting God’s creation and becoming faithful stewards of the environment. Following the service, Eco Champions shared their message with the wider congregation by distributing naartjie seeds as a symbol of hope, growth, and environmental responsibility. Delegates also sold Green Anglicans pins and bookmarks to promote environmental awareness and encourage others to become part of the growing Green Anglicans movement. Over lunch, participants reflected on the successes of the weekend and discussed upcoming environmental initiatives within the Diocese. These conversations reaffirmed the commitment of the Eco Champions to continue strengthening environmental ministry within their local parishes and communities. The next Eco Champions Consultation is scheduled to take place from 12–14 February 2027 at the Molopo Archdeaconry, where participants will once again gather to share experiences, deepen their faith, and strengthen their environmental mission. The Eco Champions Consultation Weekend was a powerful reminder that faith and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Through worship, learning, creativity, and practical action, delegates left inspired to become ambassadors for creation care within their churches and communities. As they return home carrying both seeds and renewed purpose, they continue to embody the consultation’s message: to plant the change they wish to see, nurturing hope for both people and the planet. Special thanks to Ven Raymond Holele, Revd Mpho Chaane and the wardens for welcoming the Eco-Champions to Mahikeng and the Church of the Resurrection Article by Eco Champions : Malebogo Loeto (St John’s, Bothithong) & Palesa Leeto (St Timothy’s, Seoding)

The Anglican Students’ Federation of Southern Africa (ASF) hosted its annual conference at St Bede’s Diocesan Centre in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, from 28 June to 3 July 2026. Students from across Southern Africa gathered for a week of worship, fellowship, leadership development, and renewed commitment to mission.Living out the Anglican Communion’s Fifth Mark of Mission, “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, sustain and renew the life of the earth,” the conference was intentionally declared paperless and styrofoam-free. Working closely with the Diocese of Mthatha’s catering team, the provincial executive committee ensured that no single-use plastic utensils were used throughout the conference, demonstrating that environmental stewardship can be integrated into every aspect of church life.In keeping with ASF tradition, Tuesday was dedicated to Caring for Creation. The day began with a meaningful Care for Creation Eucharist led by Revd Thembile Manene from the Gauteng Region, reminding delegates that caring for creation is an act of worship and faithful discipleship.The Eucharist was followed by interactive presentations and activities facilitated by Mr Bonginkosi White, Diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinator, and Bino Makhalanyane, Green Anglicans Youth Coordinator. Bonginkosi challenged ANSOC members not to limit their environmental commitment to conference gatherings but to embody the Fifth Mark of Mission on their campuses, in student residences, and within their local Anglican Student Organisations (ANSOCs). Bino led an engaging session on eco-spirituality, encouraging delegates to deepen their relationship with God through the care of creation and to recognise environmental stewardship as an essential expression of Christian faith.Delegates then participated in a range of creative learning activities, including an environmental crossword challenge, drama performances, poetry, and artistic presentations centred on caring for creation. These activities not only demonstrated the students’ understanding of environmental stewardship but also inspired practical, innovative, and enjoyable ways to address environmental challenges within their communities.The conference concluded with the adoption of two significant environmental resolutions, reaffirming ASF’s commitment to climate justice and ecological stewardship.Resolution 15/2026: Arise to Care for God’s CreationRecognising that creation belongs to God and that humanity has been entrusted with its care, delegates resolved to make environmental stewardship an integral part of ASF’s witness and ministry.Resolution 16/2026: Practical Climate ActionAcknowledging the increasing impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, delegates resolved to encourage practical environmental action across all ASF chapters.To give effect to these resolutions, the conference committed to the following actions:• Plant at least three trees at every Provincial and Regional Conference.• Establish Eco-Clubs within ANSOCs.• Organise campus and community clean-up campaigns.• Promote recycling and sustainable lifestyles.• Develop food gardens wherever possible to strengthen food security and resilience.These resolutions reflect ASF’s growing commitment to integrating faith, environmental stewardship, and climate justice into its ministry, ensuring that young Anglicans become active custodians of God’s creation both on campus and in their communities.Green Anglicans extends its sincere appreciation to Mr Siyabonga Mthethwa and the outgoing ASF Executive Committee for their steadfast commitment to caring for creation throughout their term of office. We also congratulate the newly elected Executive Committee, led by Refilwe Ferrelson, an Eco-Champion whose leadership promises to further strengthen ASF’s environmental witness across Southern Africa.As ASF moves forward, these commitments demonstrate that caring for creation is not simply an activity but an essential part of the Church’s mission, empowering young Anglicans to become faithful stewards of God’s creation and agents of hope for a more just and sustainable future. Edited by: Galaletsang Choane (Outgoing ASF MPO)

The Girls’ and Boys’ Friendly Society (GBFS) of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) hosted its Provincial Conference from 26–28 June 2026 at the Shingrila Hotel in Limpopo under the theme, “Bridging the Gap Between Past Achievements and Future Goals.” The conference brought together GBFS members from across the province to reflect on their journey, strengthen fellowship, and prepare young people for the future. As part of the programme, Green Anglicans Youth Coordinator, Bino Makhalanyane, was invited to facilitate a session on Curbing Climate Change, equipping delegates with a deeper understanding of the climate crisis and the role of young Christians in responding to it. During his presentation, Bino highlighted how climate change and environmental degradation continue to impact the world’s most vulnerable communities first and most severely. He explained that rural communities, women, children, and those living in poverty often bear the greatest burden through increased food insecurity, disruptions to education, loss of livelihoods, and climate-related disasters that threaten their future. Drawing on Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do good; seek justice. Defend the oppressed” he challenged delegates to see climate action as both a matter of justice and an expression of Christian discipleship. Participants were encouraged to build on the achievements of previous generations by implementing practical climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives within their churches and communities. These actions, he noted, are essential for building resilience and safeguarding God’s creation for future generations. The conference also heard from Dr Shago, GBFS National President, who encouraged young people to focus on four interconnected pillars: Land, Air, Water, and Livelihoods. She emphasised that caring for the land is essential because it sustains food production, while protecting water is vital not only for human survival but also for its spiritual significance. She reminded delegates that clean air is fundamental to life and that safeguarding these natural resources is inseparable from protecting people’s livelihoods. By caring for creation, she said, young people contribute to healthier communities and greater resilience in the face of climate change. We wish to congratulate the Diocese of Lesotho GBFS, which will host the next ACSA GBFS Presidency.

We are delighted to present a new course for Confirmation Class based on the Bible and the catechism section of the Anglican Prayer Book This confirmation course, “Enjoying Creation and Taking Care of It,”teaches young people that the world is God’s creation and is sacred. It isbuilt around five main sessions: Creation, Sin, Salvation (Repentance),Mission and Ministry, and Practical Action. The course begins by helping candidates understand that God createdeverything and declared it good, and that human beings are part ofcreation, called to live in harmony with it. It then explores how sin hasdamaged our relationship with God, one another, and the environment,highlighting human responsibility for harm done to creation. The course moves on to salvation through Jesus Christ, teaching thatrepentance is not only saying sorry but turning back to God and livingdifferently, helping to restore what has been broken. It then emphasisesthat caring for creation is part of the Church’s mission, rooted in the callto love God and neighbour and to safeguard the earth. Finally, learners are guided to take practical action by planning andcarrying out a project that cares for creation in their local context.Overall, the course forms candidates to see themselves as part of God’screation, redeemed by Christ, and called into active responsibility for thecare and restoration of the world.  

Today the South African Council of Churches’ climate commision met for its strategic planning for the next three years   Rev. Philani (MCSA) led us in a reflection on Job 37 – where is God in the Anthropocene?   We reflected on the impact of climate change on migration. Malawi Mozambique and Zimbabwe were badly impacted first by cyclone Freddy and then by the worst drought in 100 years. Predictions are they will be the worst hit by the Super El Nino that is brewing.   We mourned the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and reflected that we cannot tackle migration if we dont tackle climate change.   We reflected on our tree growing campaign: to move from tree planting to tree growing (right species; right time) and plastic campaigns – can we adopt cemeteries as part of our ecumenical ministry? How to tackle e_waste?   We heard inspiring stories from each denomination   We discussed the environmental impacts of data centres   Eco theology: to run an online course for eco champs: plan an eco theology conference: work towards a TEE course   We discussed the need for disaster planning   Food security: To fundraise to train women’s fellowship members as trainers of the trainer in clinate smart food growing.   We committed to working together and growing the Climate Yes movement   We committed to supporting the Feast of Creation and promoting pulpit swops during Season of Creation   “If you want to go fast, walk alone: if you want to go far -.go together