Green Anglicans Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s Environmental Network

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 Historic gathering of the Portuguese speaking Dioceses of Africa

The Diocese of Angola’s Executive and Provincial represantives The Youth Executive from the diocese of Lebombo and Chaplains Young people from three Portuguese plans for the year ahead: in their churches, districts and schools. This speaking dioceses in Mozambique The diocese of Lebombos in southern Mo- programme will be monitored by the young and Angola have this week taken part zambique are going to take up the challenge women’s network who will assist the children in an historic first joint meeting. The to be Green Anglicans and will have a tree with the planting. two countries are both Portuguese-speaking, planting campaign between January and The diocese of Niassa is going to use their di- but as they are separated by more than 2000 March and will develop a nursery. The dio- ocesan youth conference this month to pre- km, contacts between them have been few cese has a Sunday School project called Little pare and train the young people and to do a up to now. But now young people from the Seeds of God, which teaches children to save clean-up campaign in the host city of Cuam- dioceses of Lebombos, Niassa and Angola and plant seeds whenever they eat fruit. This ba. They will take the opportunity of the con- gathered from 25 to 30 November at the di- project will be rolled out during the whole secration of the bishop when the clergy will ocesan centre in Maciene, in the Mozambique year. They will have quarterly clean-up days, all be gathered to run a workshop for clergy province of Gaza. and then environmental training in April and on environmental ministry. They will call Green Anglicans led a workshop on environ- November. In the first quarter of next year upon families to plant a tree at every baptism. mental mission. All these dioceses have been they plan to establish parish vegetable gar- They will do awareness campaigns and clean badly affected by climate change. Mozam- dens. They plan to roll out recycling during up campaigns in the communities. bique has suffered from devastating floods, the next two years. They will run an aware- The workshop concluded with the planting whereas Angola has undergone crippling ness campaign in December, March and July. and blessing of trees donated by Anglican drought. The diocese of Angola is calling their pro- Social Action. The workshop started with a presentation gramme “O verde no meu habitat” – “Green- looking at the effects of climate change, and ing my habitat”; and they plan to celebrate the theology of caring for creation. The meet- “Green June” at their youth conferences in ing also included a workshop on the actions June. They are going to call on each and every that young Green Anglicans can take; and young person to bring a tree to plant in their a presentation on the Anglican Church of local church every year. The young women’s Southern Africa’s Sunday School Portuguese network is going to take up the Little Seeds of manual, Ryan o Rinoceronte. God project and teach children to save seeds The three dioceses then prepared action from fruit so that they can plant fruit trees Page 2 Green Anglicans

Diocese of Christ the King Green Anglicans Ablaze Youth Day Event Conference 2016

One thousand five hundred not only create awareness and business community groups people gathered for the bi- save energy, but are fun, deep- and NGOs, are often ecumeni- Diocese of Christ the King, hosted their annual Anglicans Ablaze in en our relationship with our cal. June 16 event at St Francis Walkerville. Cape Town. It was a wonderful Creator, and save money too. The delegates were pleased With the aim of growing their environ- chance for people from differ- Lessons learned include the im- to hear the provincial synod in mental ministry, green Anglicans was the ent Dioceses to discuss the fifth portance of building on a foun- September announced it would theme for the day. A diverse group of mark of mission – to care for cre- dation of eco-spirituality, start- voice its opposition to the young people attended the training com- ation. Some of Anglicans Ablaze ing small in your parish with nuclear energy deal; divest its ing from all corners of the diocese. Start- delegates were part of over 70 one or two projects, and then reserves and investments from ing with a praise a worship, the spirits of people who attended the Care getting involved in advocacy fossil fuels the 300 participants were lifted and were for Creation workshop held on and community issues. and revise the canons to in- ready for the day. 7 October as part of Anglicans Successful green projects are clude greener elements. Rev Mpho Mohale introduced care for crea- Ablaze. Rev Rachel Mash spoke supported but not led by the It is part of our faith to do what tion to the young people as a ministry that on why Creation is a foundation clergy, involve different minis- we can to care for creation. needs delicacy and dedications, pleading of our faith. Co-presenter Ncu- try teams such as youth, wor- with the young people to join hands and misa Magadla facilitated talks ship, outreach and evangelism; -Rev Martha Gordon- to preach and advocate for the environ- by representatives from various are fun and build fellowship Diocese of Johannesburg ment in the diocese and their respective parishes and dioceses who ex- are community led, with the communities. plained to the inquisitive group support of the church; include We began with an outdoor activity, which how their innovative projects partnerships with government, assists people to understand the effects of climate change they are already living with. A lot of them were shocked at some of the things they took as just minor changes to Provincial Launch of St Mary Magdalene the weather or riising food prices as the result of climate change. Going into the A prestigious historical event, the guild of St elected. In his word, he encouraged the guild day with an open mind, the young people Mary Magdalene (MMG) was launched officially to continue doing the great, be strong and rig- were able to think creatively on what they as a provincial guild after decades of existence. id in their ministry. Green Anglicans was one of will do in response. Hosted from the 10th - 13th of November 2016 the partners who were invited to come and be To everyone’s surprise Bishop Peter Lee, in the Eastern Cape, the Diocese of Mthatha were part of this occasion and in the spirit of caring joined the event and encouraged the the hands and feet of this events success, work- for God’s creation, three trees were blessed and young people to continue with their efforts ing with all the executives from the dioceses, planted by the Bishop. This act is to mark the be- to respond to the environmental crisis, the venue was overflowing with members of ginning of a new life in the guild and as the trees thanking them for taking part in the global this guild. Visitors and delegates were welcomed grow they will remind the members where they action. They later on sat down as parishes with a very classy gala dinner on Friday evening come from and the growth of the guild. Two of to discuss their actions plans, which will be and entertainment from a local dance group. We the trees were planted at the diocesan centre and implemented at parish level. saw members of different guilds in the diocese one at the Cathedral of St Johns. come in numbers to support MMG. Dioceses represented included Lesotho which came in numbers, Cape Town, Mzimvubu, Mbashe, Gra- hamstown . The Diocesan Bishop who is also the dean of the Province, Bishop Sithembele Mza- mane graced the morning service on Saturday morning with a wonderful sermon and officiat- ing the provincial executive which was newly

Green Anglicans [email protected] 021 763 1300 december 2016 Page 3

Diocese of Natal’s Annual Environmental Conference

On the 5th November 2016, the Diocese of Na- tal had an annual environmental workshop "The Environment - the church making a difference". It was organised by the environmental team which is headed by Fr Andrew Warmback. It was held at St Alpheges Anglican Church in Pi- etermaritzburg. It started with a Eucharist led by Bishop Ndwandwe. Church of the Province of Central Africa ‘s Green Church movement It looked at some important sections from Laud- On the 20th of October 2016 the Church of the Prov- ato Si', the papal encyclical on the environment. ince of Central Africa held a 3 day environmental There was a speaker from the University of Kwa- conference in Harare. With all the dioceses in Zim- Zulu - Natal who addressed the problem of plas- babwe represented, the conference commenced with tic pollution. Fr Andrew conducted a session of a high note with some major role players in the envi- exploring issues relating to eco-theology. Pearl ronmental sector in the country in Rockwood Catho- Nzuza spoke about young Green Anglicans and encouraged young people lic Centre, Harare. Green Anglicans was part of the to get involved. conference, and I had an opportunity to share how we respond to environmental issues in our province. Bishop Ndwandwe and Bishop Tsietsi were given trees to plant as a gift of We discussed their major environmental concerns appreciation for their presence. It ended with a video from storyofstuff which and worked on a plan of action in response to these taught about acquiring unnecessary things and the importance of recycling. problems. A report was then drafted for the Provin- It was a lovely day which gave insight into the problem we are facing as a cial Synod. In the spirit of staying true to our cause, nation with regards to the environment. People were encouraged to like the we visited a local plastic bottle recycling plant, op- Green Anglicans facebook page and so to keep update. erating on a big scale, they provide crushed plastic chips to companies which produce fibre in Africa and overseas . -Ncumisa Magadla Diocese of George Youth Camp On the weekend of the 2-4 of September the Diocesan Youth Council had its camp, the youth from various part of George Diocese met at Rondev- Swaziland is a winner! lei camp site, Green Anglicans representative (Ayabulela Pinzi) during his presentation reminded the youth about the important role they can play in reduction of carbon footprint, we also engaged about the duties and role of human beings in safe- guarding God’s creation. The youth in attendance also contrib- uted by suggesting ways in which they can play a significant and mean- ingful in safeguarding creation. Some of the suggestions were the ongoing educational initiatives on greening The Diocese of Swaziland was awarded first prize by the Swazi- across the diocese, the little we do land Environmental Authority during the Temvelo awards held when put together is what can be used at the 2016 Ezulwini Convention Centre. They were awarded in changing the mind-set or the perception of human being in so far as the Eco Faith Based award 2016. Mncedisi Masuku was environment conservation is concerned. awarded the Young Eco Hero Award for 2016. -Aya Pinzi Mncedisi Masuku is one of those inspiring indivuals who make things happen! He is passionate about caring for the environment and about mobilizing others to join him in mak- This revised volume of A rainbow over ing a difference. Swaziland is a county facing huge challenges the land is a much-needed resource for the from climate change, due to water scarcity. He trains in perma- church today. It will enable leaders to look at culture, runs workshops for Sunday School and preschool on the theology of creation care, and to redis- care for creation , does presentations and gets people active. cover truths from the history of the Christian Following his enthusiastic lead, members of the Diocese of tradition. It contains contributions from sev- Swaziland are planting trees, growing organic vegetables, eral ACSA members: Rev Rachel Mash, Rev doing clean up campaigns and saving water. Only a month Shaun Cozett, Rev Keith Griffiths, Rev Reg ago he and his team “Team Lusaka” won an Active Citizenship Gersbach and Kate Davies. award from the Anglican Youth of Southern Africa (AYSA). It is available at: http://eshop.bybelmedia.org.za/product/a- Congratulation Green Team Swaziland, you make us proud! rainbow-over-the-land/

Green Anglicans [email protected] 021 763 1300 Page 4 Green Anglicans ASF takes the green route Worshipping God under Matlosane skies

Over forty clergy from the Diocese of Matlosane gathered for a retreat with a difference. This year Bishop Steve Dis- eko decided to hold an Eco-Retreat in the Ramosa Game Reserve in Zeerust. The Retreat had three themes: wa- ter, trees and land. The first day we looked at how often water is men- tioned in the Bible, over 700 times! It ASF takes the green route thought provoking presenta- planet for all – starting at their has many meanings – the water of life, The Green Anglicans partnered tion in which she challenged campuses. As the first practical the water for cleansing and forgive- with the Anglican Students’ and encouraged the students step towards caring for cre- ness, the water of the Spirit. In our Federation for the success of to be responsible citizens ation, the students and their small groups we discussed how water their 56 th annual conference and to care for creation. The chaplains took to the streets of can be integrated into our liturgies. We which took place on 26 June also students committed to Mooiriver and picked up litter. were challenged to discover our own – 01 July 2016 at the beautiful becoming responsible and As powerful as the word is, ‘Jordan river’ where does the water game and farm in Mooiriver, good stewards of God’s cre- they decided to put some ac- come from that was used at our bap- Diocese of Natal. The confer- ation. The Green Anglicans tion so that the call to care for tism? We also looked at the importance ence was attended by 184 also sponsored 10 students (7 creation has a vital meaning of water in Eucharist – we often forget people, this included students from Namibia and 3 from Mo- for the community. To wrap that there are three elements: wine, and chaplains from across the zambique). The Dioceses of things up, the Green Anglicans bread and water that we use. The day Anglican Church of Southern Namibia and Lebombo in Mo- treated the students to some ended with a moving liturgy of forgive- Africa. There was also a visit- zambique often find it difficult fun times with the fuffi slides. ness, where water helped us to release ing priest, Revd. Samuel Sife- to send students to the confer- Each student had a chance to and forgive those who have hurt us in lani from the Diocese of Harare ence. The students, in their slide on a 250m zip across the the past. (Zimbabwe) in the Church of respective bible study groups, lake. On day two we considered land. This the Province of Central Africa. discussed and highlighted is mentioned over 2000 times in the Bi- Ncumisa Magadla did a strategies towards a healthy -Molly Jankie ble and yet we do not preach or teach about it. The People of Israel are Cho- sen people of the promised land. We are also chosen people put here on the Diocese of Free State Green Family Weekend Earth. We need to work for the renewal of the Earth, as God has called us to be The Diocese of Free State celebrated their annual family weekend from the 26th to 28th of Earth keepers (Gen 2:15) On this after- August 2016. With various environmental challenges facing the province, including water noon we went on a game drive which shortages, the weekend was themed to raise awareness across the diocese about care for was beautiful but quite heart breaking creation. As the most well attended event in the diocese, the family weekend was a perfect too as we saw the corpse of a giraffe space for the Bishop to share with his diocese about earth and felt the sadness of the loss of one of keeping. these beautiful creatures of God. The Green Environmental Weekend was organised by a On our final day we had our Eucharist diocesan task team, one of them being Thapelo Mab- service under a tree, and considered ule, who saw the success of the event throughout the how our spirituality should be like a weekend, working tirelessly to achieve the goal of earth tree. In order to give good fruits we keeping. And this is his reflection: need to recognize that we are grafted We were at the priory from Friday till Sunday with a in to someone else’s work, we need a passion and well organised environmental program stake when the winds get strong, and for the weekend. We planted 153 trees around the farm we need to be constantly watered and commemorating the 153 years of the existence of our renewed. Our final evening song was a Diocese. Provincial Green Anglicans and its ambassa- highlight as we held it around the fire. dors in Diocese of Pretoria graced the event to motivate Worshipping God under God’s beauti- help and congratulate the diocese of Free State for ful stars reminds you of the wonders of making the environmental issues their issues as well. our Creator. Let us be Keepers of God’s Among others we had a river clean up session as well and inspire our congregations to care as the heritage walk around the farm reflecting on our history. Saturday commenced with a clean-up in the area and clearing of the river which homes Mantsopa well, finishing the day with a very big tree planting ceremony, where different parishes and guilds planted trees and vowed to look after them. The Sunday service took place outside, next to the well-known Mant- sopa Cave, Bishop Steve Dintoe preached about our role in taking care of God’s earth. He dismissed the congregation from the top of the cave and closed the ceremony by planting and blessing a tree.

Green Anglicans [email protected] 021 763 1300