The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA) recognises climate change as a profound theological, moral and justice concern that threatens human dignity, biodiversity, and the integrity of God’s creation. Across Southern Africa, communities, especially the poor, women, youth and future generations, are already experiencing the disproportionate impacts of climate change. 

In response, ELCSA, through Green ELCSA, has developed a draft Climate Justice Charter. The Charter provides a faith-rooted framework to guide the Church’s climate action, grounded in principles of climate justice, intergenerational equity, gender justice, human rights, decoloniality, prophetic diakonia, solidarity and just relationships. 

This online consultative workshop marks the official launch of a two-month participatory process (February - April 2026) to introduce the Charter, invite reflection, and gather inputs from church leaders, members and partners ahead of its formal launch in May 2026. 

Purpose of the Workshop

To introduce the draft Green ELCSA Climate Justice Charter and initiate a structured, inclusive consultation process that will strengthen its theological grounding, contextual relevance and practical application across all ELCSA structures.

Objectives

1. To present the vision, scope and principles of the draft Climate Justice Charter

2. To frame climate justice as a core faith and diaconal responsibility of ELCSA

3. To invite initial reflections and priority inputs from participants

4. To outline the two-month consultation process and how participants can contribute

5. To build collective ownership towards the Charter’s launch in May 2026

Expected Outcomes

• Participants understand the purpose and content of the Climate Justice Charter

• Initial feedback and priority areas for refinement are identified

• Clear understanding of how to participate in the 2-month consultation process

• Momentum and shared commitment towards implementation and launch