Seminarians Sow Seeds of Hope in Grahamstown

Grahamstown, South Africa – A group of seminarians from the College of Transfiguration is cultivating more than just plants in their community. Embracing the call to be Green Anglicans, they have initiated a community food garden as a tangible expression of their faith and commitment to serving those in need.

The project, driven by a desire to address food insecurity and create a sustainable food source, is a testament to the seminarians’ understanding of their future role as parish priests. As members of the clergy, they recognize the importance of caring for both their congregation and the environment. The garden is not merely a horticultural endeavor; it is a spiritual practice aligned with the Anglican commitment to environmental stewardship, often referred to as “greening the canons.”

One of the driving forces behind this initiative is a seminarian who is also a member of the Creation Care Network of Natal. This connection underscores the broader ecological concerns that inform the project. The garden is seen as a small but significant step towards addressing the complex issues of climate change and social justice.

Canon Revd Rachel Mash visited the garden on a recent visit to the College of the Transfiguration.

As the garden begins to flourish, so too does the hope for a brighter future. The seminarians are mindful that this is just the beginning of their journey. Their aspiration is to create a lasting impact on the community by providing fresh, nutritious food and fostering a sense of connection to the earth. Beyond sustenance, the garden aims to be an educational hub. The seminarians envision workshops and training sessions where they can share their gardening knowledge with community members. By empowering individuals with practical skills, they hope to create a ripple effect of self-sufficiency and food security.

The garden serves as a living example of how faith can be translated into action. By nurturing the soil and the community simultaneously, these future priests are demonstrating the profound interconnectedness of all creation.

Grace and Peace

~Vanda Chittenden tssf