Waging the green war: initial steps towards eco-practical theology and eco-pastoral care in the African context

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article is an exploratory contemplation of practical theological and pastoral engagement in the so-called green war in the African context. It first provides an overview of eco-theology, the Anthropocene age, biodiversity, eco-practical theology, and eco-pastoral care to create a theoretical framework for the research. As it is aimed at the African context, the notion of the African Anthropocene is put forward in the second section. Considering the African Anthropocene and subsequent biodiversity challenges, an eco-practical theology and eco-pastoral care are imagined in the third and fourth sections. Ecological preaching, liturgy, and youth work are discussed as avenues for eco-pastoral care contributing to the multidisciplinary biodiversity conservation discourse and its vision of a sustainable globe.