AACC - MTEL Students Lead Creation Care Initiative at Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation
Master of Theology in Ecumenical Leadership students, sponsored by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) in partnership with St. Paul’s University and based at the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation (MEF), led a vibrant and action-oriented programme on Creation Care and Environmental Sustainability. The initiative brought together students from sister institutions within the MEF formation community, fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
The programme aimed to strengthen the growing resolve among ecumenical theological students across Africa to integrate care for creation into leadership formation and faith practice. Grounded in the biblical call of Genesis 2:15, it emphasized humanity’s responsibility to care for God’s creation. Participants were encouraged to move beyond theory and embody practical stewardship through daily actions within their institutions and communities.
Held within the MEF student community, the event highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches to sustainability while reinforcing unity among partner institutions through shared ecological initiatives. A key highlight was a hands-on tree-planting exercise across the campus, symbolizing both environmental preservation and hope for future generations. This activity demonstrated that stewardship is not only taught but actively practiced within the formation environment.
The programme also introduced practical measures to strengthen environmental responsibility, including expanding monthly campus clean-up activities into broader ecumenical engagements, establishing inter-institutional student stewardship groups, and promoting improved waste management practices.
Participants were further encouraged to take ownership of sustainability efforts by nurturing the planted trees, conducting environmental awareness outreach in churches around Kitwe, and integrating creation care into worship, theological reflection, and community life.
Speaking during the programme, Ms. Favour Aladapo, Student Leader and environmentalist, emphasized that collective responsibility makes stewardship visible and meaningful in formation for ministry and service.
In the photo: Mr. Roger Garwoh facilitating the Creation-Care Initiative at MEF. [Courtesy - Fr. Dr. John Njoroge]
