anglican

Prepare for Action: Caring for God’s Creation

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:13 In a world facing climate change, pollution, and deforestation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But as Christians, we are not called to sit back and watch—we are called to action. 1 Peter 1:13 challenges us to prepare our minds, be self-controlled, and set our hope on Christ. These principles apply not just to our faith but also to how we care for the environment. Prepare Your Mind for Action God has entrusted the earth to us to care for  (Genesis 2:15), and we must be intentional about how we care for it. Learning about environmental issues, understanding our impact, and taking responsibility are all ways to prepare for action. Small, mindful choices—like reducing waste, conserving water, and supporting sustainable businesses—help protect creation. Be Self-Controlled in Daily Choices Self-control means resisting wastefulness and overconsumption. Do we really need fast fashion, excessive packaging, or constant upgrades? Thoughtful choices, like using reusable products, eating sustainably, and reducing energy use, reflect discipline and care for God’s world. Hope in Christ While Acting for Change Our motivation for environmental action isn’t fear—it’s hope. We know that Jesus will restore all things, but that doesn’t mean we ignore our responsibility now. By caring for creation, we reflect God’s love and point others to Him. If we work together with others, we can have a powerful voice and influence. Advocate for sustainability, make responsible choices, and encourage others to do the same. When we act in faith, God can use us to make a lasting impact on His world.

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Ash Wednesday 2025 – Sustainable Shift

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“Turn away from sin and believe the good news” These are the words that are said as the priest marks you with the cross of ashes.  Turn away from sin Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This reminds us that no one is perfect—we all make mistakes. That includes how we care for the environment. Maybe we’ve littered, wasted food, or ignored the impact of our choices. But God calls us to be stewards of His creation (Genesis 2:15). Even though we’ve fallen short, we have the chance to change. Small actions—like reducing plastic waste, conserving water, or planting trees—reflect a heart that values what God has given us. Our mistakes don’t define us; our willingness to do better does. You have the power to influence the future. Will you help heal what’s broken? Let’s take responsibility, not just for ourselves but for the world around us. When we care for creation, we honor the Creator. It’s never too late to start making a difference. Believe the good news For years, we’ve been fed this idea that humans are the problem, that just by existing, we’re harming the planet. Everywhere we turn, we’re told to do less, take less, be less. And sure, being mindful matters, but what if our real power isn’t in pulling back, but in stepping up? What if we’re not here to shrink our existence, but to find our light and let it shine—brightly, boldly, and unapologetically? Maybe it’s time to rethink what it means to leave a footprint. It’s time to rewrite the story. Maximizing our footprint isn’t about being reckless or consuming endlessly. It’s about showing up with intention. It’s about recognizing that we do have power—and using that power to create more good in the world. Let’s start with the 40 days of Lent! Share a photo of yourself with the Ash Cross!

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Launch of the Season of Creation in Mozambique

News / /

By Rev Aurelio Uqueio Hello Peace. Under the Theme: HOPE AND ACT WITH CREATION, the Mass marking the beginning of the Time of Creation 2024 was celebrated at the Anglican Diocese of Inhambane. The Holy Mass took place at the Pro-Cathedral B.A.V.Maria de Chambone-Maxixe and was led by the Diocesan Bishop Fr. Emanuel Boaventura Capeta (Provincial President for Climate Change and Environment). Was attended by the Diocesan Coordinator of the Green Anglican Father Micaias Caessa and Provincial Coordinator Father Aurelio Uqueio, the Diocesan Chancellor Jorge Cuinhane and the members of the Green Anglican. It was a wonderful service, which included in addition to the Eucharist Celebration, there was planting of fruit trees (avocado) and shade trees (acacacias), snack and a volleyball game. There were a total of 87 participants. More activities ahead…. Together for the environment

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Planting Trees to Celebrate Partnership Anniversary

News / /

This summer, St. John’s, Lafayette Square, was delighted to plant trees in South Africa to celebrate 20 years of its partnership with the Kwasa College.  St. John’s visited Kwasa during a pilgrimage trip in August led by its Rector, the Rev. Robert W. Fisher.   Kwasa is an Anglican school located near Johannesburg, South Africa.  It now serves 450 children through grade 7.  Most of the children live in a nearby informal settlement comprised of corrugated metal shacks.   The Kwasa-St. John’s sharing began soon after the Rev. Sharron Dinnie started Kwasa.  Sharron began by holding classes in an abandoned mining camp building.   Over the years, the partnership has flourished.  St. John’s has regularly visited to see Kwasa’s substantial growth and has welcomed Sharron, teachers, and students to Washington.  Close personal ties have formed from this sharing. During the visit, the Kwasa children and St. John’s found joy in planting 20 native trees to mark 20 years of working together.  Armed with shovels, watering cans, and a guitar, Rob and Sharron blessed the trees, using an Anglican Communion Forest liturgy.  For their part, the Kwasa children committed to care for and to water the trees.  All voices were lifted in song during the blessing.  With his guitar, Rob led a joyful singing of an American spiritual hymn.  The Kwasa children responded by offering a spirit-filled South Africa folk hymn.  Tree planting to celebrate special occasions is a hallmark of the Anglican Communion Forest, a global initiative to safeguard God’s creation through local activities to restore and protect natural habitats.  The Diocese of Washington has embraced the Communion Forest. #communionforest  

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Thanksgiving

Year of the Tree 2023 / /

The doors of the temple were decorated with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. 1 kings 6: 32 Today, the day before Palm Sunday, and in many churches people will be decorating the church with palm leaves and making palm crosses. In some countries without palms, the palm crosses have to be imported from elsewhere. Let us give thanks for the trees from which these branches came, and committee ourselves to the movement of tree growers. During the first year of COVID, Palm Sunday for many people took place during hard lock down, and a tradition was formed which has continued to this day, of placing a green branch of any kind on your front door. This is a beautiful symbol to show that you are also welcoming Jesus on this day.

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