[ACNS, by Shadreck Nyanja and Mike Mambote] The bishops of the Anglican Province of Central Africa took a lead from Young Green Anglicans in the region by planting trees when they gathered in Malawi – the warm heart of Africa – for a recent meeting. The bishops from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi met at the diocese of Lake Malawi’s centre in Lilongwe. The Young Green Anglican champions asked them to incorporate a tree planting exercise, and about 15 Bishops and their spouses planted trees at the diocesan centre.

The Revd Dr Rachel Mash, environmental co-ordinator for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, said: “As church leaders, the bishops set a good example to all young people in the Church to prioritise the need to care for environment.”

In his address, Archbishop Albert Chama pleaded with his fellow leaders to take a charge on environment issues and make the province look green and clean. As leaders they were requested to take a leading role in their respective dioceses. Archbishop Chama emphasised the importance of environment in the daily life of humans and other animals; and he asked the church to take care of the trees and do the same in their respective homes.

In his address, Bishop Francis Kaulanda of Lake Malawi thanked the bishops for agreeing to the add the tree-planting exercise to their tight schedule. As the hosting bishop, he said that he will ensure that the planted trees are monitored so that one day all should sit under them. He thanked the Young Green Anglican champions for initiating the programme.

About 50 trees were planted around the diocesan secretariat premises. Clergy and laity took part in the planting exercise.

Archbishop Albert Chama plants a tree at the Lake Malawi diocesan secretariat centre in Lilongwe as part of the meeting of the provincial bishops.

• Shadreck Nyanja is the Lake Malawi Diocesan Youth President.