A series of weekly reflections are available during Lent focusing on the “economy of water,” offering suggestions for how people can work toward water justice in their communities.
The Seven Weeks for Water began Feb. 20, with additional resources produced for March 22, which is World Water Day, and Maundy Thursday, April 5.
The reflections have been produced by the Ecumenical Water Network, an international group of churches coordinated by the World Council of Churches, promoting people’s access to water around the world, based on the understanding that water is a gift of God and a fundamental human right.
“Water is the lifeblood of the planet as well as the economy,” said EWN coordinator Maike Gorsboth in a news release. “It is crucial for sustainable development in regard to health, food security, energy and poverty — issues that affect and engage churches around the world in different ways.”
The weekly meditations, found on the EWN website, are accompanied by links and ideas for activities encouraging individuals and congregations to get involved. The reflections offer biblical responses to issues including wasteful consumption and production, agro-ecological production and climate change adaptation.
The campaign is also paying special attention to the emerging and controversial “Green Economy” concept, according to the news release. The Green Economy aims at reconciling economic development with environmental and social well-being. It is one of the key topics for debate in the run-up to the United Nations’ “Rio+20” Conference on Sustainable Development.
More information on the Seven Weeks for Water, including worship plans and a World Water Day tool kit can be found at www.oikoumene.org/7-weeks-for-water.