Reflections on SAFCEI FLEAT Workshop on Energy & Climate Justice

From the 18th to the 20th of March, Faith Leaders from across Southern Africa ( Eswatini, South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique)  gathered at Schoenstatt Retreat Centre in  Cape Town for a Faith Leader Environmental Advocacy Training (FLEAT) Energy and Climate Justice workshop. The workshop brought together faith-based organizations, environmental activists, and policy experts; eight were Anglicans from both ACSA and IAMA Provinces. The leaders discussed the urgent need to transition to sustainable and equitable energy systems. This transition is not just a technical or economic issue but a moral and ethical imperative deeply rooted in our responsibility to care for creation and uphold justice for vulnerable communities.

Faith and Environmental Stewardship

Faith traditions across the world emphasize the sacredness of creation and the duty of stewardship. The workshop reinforced the importance of integrating faith-based perspectives into climate justice and energy transition discussions. As faith leaders, we must advocate for policies and practices that prioritize people and the planet over profit. This means challenging extractive industries that harm communities, advocating for renewable energy solutions, and ensuring that the transition to clean energy does not come at the expense of marginalized populations.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. The Urgency of a Just Transition
   The workshop highlighted that South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, has devastating environmental and social consequences. Air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change impacts are disproportionately felt by low-income communities. A Just Energy Transition seeks to move towards renewable energy sources while ensuring that workers and affected communities are not left behind.
2. Community Engagement and Participation
   One of the strongest messages from the workshop was the need for meaningful engagement with communities directly impacted by energy transitions. Faith leaders play a crucial role in bridging the gap between policymakers and grassroots movements, ensuring that decisions are made with the participation of those most affected.
3. Ethical Investments and Divestment from Fossil Fuels
   Faith institutions manage significant financial resources. A key discussion was the role of ethical investments in promoting sustainability. Divesting from fossil fuel industries and investing in community-led renewable energy projects aligns with the moral obligation to protect the environment and uphold social justice.
4. Energy Justice and Inequality
   The transition must address historical injustices. Many communities in South Africa still lack access to reliable electricity, while others suffer the health burdens of living near coal mines and power stations. The workshop emphasized the need for policies that ensure affordable and sustainable energy access for all.

Call to Action for Faith Leaders

Faith communities have a unique ability to mobilize and inspire action. As faith leaders, we must:

• Advocate for policy changes that promote clean energy and protect vulnerable communities.
• Educate congregations on the impacts of fossil fuels and the benefits of renewable energy.
• Engage in ethical investments that align with sustainability and social justice.
• Foster interfaith collaboration to strengthen collective advocacy efforts.

Conclusion

The FLEAT workshop reinforced the urgency of faith-based action in Energy Justice. As both an environmentalist and a person of faith, I am committed to championing this cause. We must act now to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially just. Through faith and action, we can build a future that honours both creation and community.

This article, authored by Bino Teboho Makhalanyane, was originally published on the Green Anglicans website on March 26, 2025.