Lenten initiative focuses on water
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A child turns the handle of a water pump in Busowobi, Uganda. A UMNS photo courtesy of the Ecumenical Water Network.
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A UMNS Report
By Linda Bloom*
Feb. 25, 2009
Instead of “doing without” during Lent, Christians are being
encouraged to think about what others in need can “do with” access to
water resources.
The Ecumenical Water Network has developed the “Seven Weeks for
Water” initiative as a concrete way for congregations and
denominational organizations to focus on water justice over the Lenten
Period. The World Council of Churches, Church World Service and the All
Africa Conference of Churches are members of the network’s steering
group.
The first set of resources, available in English, Spanish, German
and French, will be posted beginning Feb. 25, Ash Wednesday, at http://www.oikoumene.org/en/activities/ewn-home/resources-and-links/ewn-resources.html.
Among the resources are short bibilical meditations for each week
from theologians and church activists in Africa, Europe and North and
South America.
Other resources include a brochure, factsheet, instructions on how
to build a “virtual water cube,” various reports, worship materials and
a Bible study.
Another opportunity to highlight the importance of water during Lent
will happen on March 22, World Water Day, which focuses attention on
the importance of freshwater and advocates for the sustainable
management of freshwater resources.
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Streams
of dirty and littered waters run through the Kibera slum in Nairobi,
Kenya. A UMNS photo by Maike Gorsboth, Ecumenical Water Network.
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The United Methodist Committee on Relief and Church World Service
are among the humanitarian agencies that help local communities improve
their access to water. In Prey Char, Cambodia, for example, CWS
provided materials so villagers could develop a well, resulting in a
permanent source of safe water. UMCOR and various United Methodist
congregations have assisted with well-drilling projects in a number of
countries, including Haiti, Mozambique and Ghana.
Factors affecting public access to adequate water supplies include
deforestation, pollution, population growth, industrial and
agricultural demand and the privatization of water resources.
Nevertheless, access to water is a fundamental human right, Christians
involved in the Ecumenical Water Network believe. The network was
formed so Christians could be a part of the debate on water issues. By
raising awareness and engaging the ecumenical community in common
action, the network promotes the preservation, responsible management
and the equitable distribution of water for all.
While control of the management and distribution of water should go
to local communities, national and international policies are needed to
insure everyone has access to water.
“Governments need to understand that it is their obligation to
respect, protect and fulfill people’s right to water,” the network
states on its Web site. “Doing so includes giving priority to the needs
and rights of the most vulnerable groups in society. Democratic control
of water supply systems and resources needs to be ensured as well as
public accountability and transparency.”
*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.
News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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