This is a Green ELCSA reflection on the ELCSA Watchword for 2026, it does not stand apart from the wider life of the church, but emerges from within it. Through Green ELCSA lenses, the watchword becomes not only a promise to be believed, but a calling to be lived. 

“Behold, I Make All Things New:” These words were first spoken to a community living under pressure, uncertainty, and systemic injustice. In the same way, they now speak into the lived experiences of people across Southern Africa, where hope is often tested by economic hardship, unemployment, ecological crises, and deepening inequality.

Across Southern Africa, communities are grappling with: High unemployment, especially among young people, leaving millions without livelihoods or dignity, including climate impacts. These realities are not separate from the church’s mission. They are the very places where the Gospel must take flesh. 

When God declares, “I make all things new,” this is not a promise of escape from the world’s struggles. It is a declaration that God is at work within history, renewing systems, relationships, and structures that have been broken. So, we are called to speak honestly about suffering, stand with those most affected by injustice, and act faithfully in response to economic, social, and ecological crises. 

“All things” includes young people searching for work and purpose, communities whose land and water are under threat, workers affected by unjust economic and energy systems, and households burdened by rising costs of living. This is why Green ELCSA understands ecological justice and economic justice as deeply connected. 

2026 marks a crucial year of implementation for the Green ELCSA strategic plan. Guided by this watchword, our focus will include: 

• Climate and ecological justice education,

• Community-centred engagement, 

• Policy and advocacy engagement, 

• Youth and livelihood-focused approaches, and

• Strengthening church-wide collaboration. 

As we begin 2026, may we do so with eyes open to reality, hearts rooted in faith, and hands committed to the work of renewal and trusting that God’s promise is already unfolding, even in the most fragile places.