Diocesan Environmental Coordinators from across South Africa, Eswatini, Namibia and Botswana gathered this week for a Provincial Conference held at Lumko in Benoni, Johannesburg. Joining us were representatives from the Provincial organisations . For the first time we were also joined by key Mission representatives from the Methodist Church as we strive to find ways to work together for God’s Creation.
Day One: Climate Change disasters and resilience
The Conference started with a sobering presentation by Rev Rachel Mash on the State of the Planet – the increase of heat wave days, floods, drought, fires and sea level rise will impact on all of our communities. We then broke into groups to consider how our local churches can respond better to these disasters. This theme was then continued by a presentation by Lester Sidras from Respond, who are working in the area of disaster relief and preparedness.
A beautiful opening worship was held outside led by our Liaison Bishop for the Environment, Bishop Edwin Pockpass and the Ven Mpho Mohale.
Day two: working within our structures – successes and challenges
The second day began with Morning prayer in God’s Creation and then in groups we shared what we are already doing, our successes and challenges. We then looked at how we can improve implementation of the “Greened” canons.
Following lunch Bishop Edwin shared experiences of the Ecumenical “Eco Bishops conference and the plans that flowed from that” One of the fruits of that conference was the Methodists joining this Conference. The final session for the day we looked at how to influence the church through resolutions, chapter and who to have on our Diocesan team. Bino as always was our wonderful Facilitator keeping us energized through all sessions!
The day ended with worship led by the Youth
Day three – working ecumenically – make the circle bigger!
On the final day we were led in morning prayer by the Methodists followed by a Bible study by Lester.
Our very own Lulama Ntuta (deputy chair of SACC) shared what the SACC is doing in the area of Climate change with the formation of the new Climate commission. The three year plan focuses on waste (2025), tree growing (2026) and climate preparedness (2027)
We heard then from other movements – the wonderful work of the Mothers Union Eco – champs (Mme Matito), the Climate yes (youth ecumenical Movement) the All Africa Council of Churches (Neo Mosima) and the Church Unity Commission (Rev Sikawu). We were all encouraged to hold ecumenical events during the Season of Creation
The Conference ended with a moving Ascension Day service led by Bishop Edwin and the representatives from Botswana, Eswatini and Namibia. He commissioned the members to go forth back into the world to care for all of God’s Creation.
Amen.
Makubenjalo.
