ECOBISHOPS OF AFRICA
Bishops from 14 different African counties gathered to discuss the role of the Church in Mitigation, Adaptation and Witness under the auspices of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network
It was an inspiring time of hearing from God and learning from each other.
Three challenging Biblical reflections were given – by Bishop Zac Niringiye of Uganda on the Old Testament and Eco Justice, Bishop Ellinah Wamukoya of Swaziland on The Eucharist and the Environment, and Bishop Chad Gandiya of Harare on the New Testament and Reconciliation with all of Creation
Rev Dr Rachel Mash shared and overview of the threat of Climate Change to Africa and we discussed the challenges faced by each Diocese. We were inspired to hear of the work which is already happening in so many places.
We heard the voices and shared the stories of young people from Central Africa (Green Church Movement) Norah Magaya and Green Anglicans (Southern Africa) Boipelo Tau and Bino Makalanyane.
We heard of the particular impact of climate change on women and the crucial role they play in adaptation from Canon Terrie Robinson. The International Anglican Womens Network (Pumla Titus) and the Girls Friendly society (Thembeka Pama) shared some of the actions that women are already taking.
And then – before we made our action plans we had the great privilege to hear from Dr Koshy, head of Ecological Ministry for the Church of South India. He shared the inspiring and practical ways that a fellow church in the Southern hemisphere is responding and gave us hope and inspiration
We also heard of the work of the Council of Anglican Provinces from June Nderitu (Also anglican Alliance)
The workshop was soaked in prayer and reflection. Canon Ken Gray from Canada led us in Creation based morning prayers. We had a reflective walk based on the Laudato Si Prayer of Pope Francis . Our daily lunch time Eucharists using the Eucharistic Prayer for the Season of Creation were held out side in God’s beautiful sanctuary the Earth. Our presiders were Bishop Ellinah (Swaziland) , Bishop Bertin (DRC), and Bishop Beleme (Botswana)
And when all the hard work was done, we visited the Harteebees Cable Car and went up on the mountain and then were treated to a wonderful gala dinner by St Judes Church
The Bishops attending were from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa , Swaziland and Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Zambia Botswana and Malawi, DRC, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
#greenanglicans #seasonofcreation #ecobishops
