“We are not mourners at the deathbed of the Earth, we are midwives at the birth of the New Creation.”
The newly formed Women’s Faith and Climate Network (2024) met for three days just as war broke out in the Middle East. From different countries, contexts and faiths we gathered with one shared conviction—that networks of women of faith may hold a key role in scaling up climate action. We met during a sacred season – celebrating Lent, Ramadan, Purim and Holi.
One of the largest, yet often hidden, ways to scale up climate action lies within the vast networks of women of faith. For example: the Anglican Mothers’ Union has over 4 million members in 83 countries; there are 600,000 Catholic Sisters worldwide; the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation has 6 million women; and the Self Employed Women’s Association (a secular network with strong spiritual roots) has 3.8 million members in India and beyond.
Action is already happening. The Laudato Si Movement has trained 20,000 ‘animators’ worldwide. The Mothers’ Union has started a programme called Eco Champs in five African countries and has a vision to expand to five more countries in 2026. The Self Employed Women’s Association has launched the “Clean Skies Campaign.” The Tzu Chi foundation is drilling wells for clean water,and training in conservation agriculture.
This conference marked the first formal meeting of the newly formed Network and provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, deepen relationships, and develop practical collaborations.
We began the meeting with an inspiring message from Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and one of the “Elders.”
“We must allow ourselves to practice broken-heartedness – together. A broken heart is not a weak heart, it is an open heart. Grief shared in community can become a source of courage.”
During the gathering, Mme Meisie Lerutla, President of the Provincial Mothers’ Union in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, shared the MU model of Eco-Champions. The MU passed a resolution that each Diocese should appoint an Eco-champ to mobilise MU branches in their Diocese for environmental action. The results in the last two years since the initial training have been remarkable. Clean-ups, training in Farming God’s Way, tree growing, water saving and environmental education – the champions have been working hard.
The dream is to roll out the vision in five new countries at a gathering in May and to share the concept of MU Eco-Champs at the Worldwide Celebration of the Mothers’ Union in November. We were also able to meet with Naomi Herbert – head of MU Global Strategic Partnerships to discuss the program
Another Anglican representative was Siva Sunia from Tonga, who spoke about the Pacific concept of the “weaving of the ecological mat.” Drawing on traditional imagery, she described how caring for creation requires the careful weaving together of relationships—between people, cultures, faith traditions and the natural world—so that the mat of life remains strong for future generations.
The youth of the Anglican Diocese of Tonga are part of the Safe and Resilient Church campaign, working with Anglican parishes to assess vulnerabilities – from food and water security to shelter and disaster preparedness. Youth led the work: collecting data, mapping low-lying areas and preparing action plans. The programme has strengthened church buildings to be used as cyclone shelters, created evacuation routes, and supported alternative livelihoods such as sustainable farming. It is practical climate action – rooted in faith, community and resilience.
The spiritual dimension of the gathering was also significant. We shared iftar together, celebrated Purim (the Jewish celebration of Esther) and joined in a dawn Lenten service. Reflecting on Romans 8:22 Rev Rachel said, “Creation is groaning in childbirth.” She continued, “We are not mourners at the deathbed of the Earth; we are midwives of the new Creation.”
We also reflected on the message of Esther 4:14:
“Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?”
Official Photo Credit -Wilton Park
With great appreciation to Alison Hlliard, Jean Duff, Project Dandelion and all those who worked so hard and donated their time and finances to make this possible!
