Displaying 1 - 20 of 298

Seven Weeks for Water 2025, week 7: "Thirsty for justice"

The seventh and last reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2025 of the WCC’s Ecumenical Water Network is written jointly by Frances Namoumou and Netani Rika. In the following reflection, they have analysed the water scarcity situation in the Pacific region, worsened by climate change, with a justice perspective from the narratives of the persistent widow of the Bible. They challenge us not to give up our “thirst for justice” under any circumstances. 

Seven Weeks for Water 2025, week 6: Water in the Cosmic Dance!

The sixth reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2025 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by Prof. Mathew Koshy of Church of South India.  In this reflection, inspired by the Psalm104, he argues that the life giving resource, the water of life, plays a vital role in the “divine choreography” with other elements in God’s creation to sustain life. He then invites us to renew our participation in the “cosmic dance of life”—where water flows freely, justly, and joyfully.  Furthermore, he illustrates the Church of South India’s good practices in this endeavour.

Seven Weeks for Water 2025, week 5: Lenten Sustenance: Jesus at the table

The fifth reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2025 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by Phil Hildtich, with inputs from Sarah Larkin and Amanda Munoz from the PAAHC (Prayer & Action Against Hunger Coalition). He focuses on artwork chosen for this year’s Weekend of Prayer and Action against Hunger campaign. Linking climate change and melting glaciers with food production and hunger, he reminds us to be mindful of the food that we take for granted and draws our attention to the “10 Commandments for Food.” He also highlights the Christian witness to address hunger in times of climate change, being inspired by Jesus, who always had a concern for feeding the hungry.

Seven Weeks for Water 2025, week 4: Is the “Water Futures Market” the Future of Water?

The fourth reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2025 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is jointly written by  Dinesh Suna and Prof. Susan  Smith. They reflect on the pressing issues surrounding water in the context of climate change,  especially the disastrous  recent wildfires in California. Ironically, in 2020 California had  introduced the water in the “futures market” as a tradable commodity like oil and gold.  They underscore, the importance of prioritizing water as a common good, and the ethical challenges surrounding water privatization.

Seven Weeks for Water 2025, week 3: "Symbiotic Guardianship: The Bond Between Humans and the Achachilas"

The third reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2025 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by Jocabed Reina Solano Miselis, a daughter of the Gunadule nation in Panama. Being an Indigenous activist, she juxtaposes the indigenous spirituality and their integral connection with the nature, the “Achachilas” with the unsatiable desire of humans to exploit the nature for its resources, driven by capitalism. She introduces us to the indigenous belief system which is based on the reciprocity of mother earth and human beings, caring for each other. 

Seven Weeks for Water 2025, week 2: "Feminization of water poverty in Africa”

The second reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2025 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network was written by the late Dr Agnes Abuom, former moderator of the WCC central committee. Dr Abuom was the first woman and first African to hold this important position. She was also the executive director of TAABCO Research and Development Consultants, Nairobi, Kenya. In her reflection, being an African woman around the  International Women’s Day, she explores the linkages between poverty and water scarcity and their impact on women. In 2017, Kenya was reeling under a serious drought which was deteriorating the situation for women as they were mostly responsible for fetching water for their families.

WCC prayers focus on Ash Wednesday, Seven Weeks for Water

During a prayer held at the St Hippolyte Roman Catholic Church in Geneva, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and its ecumenical partners focused on the beginning of Lent for many western Christian traditions, as well as the Lenten campaign Seven Weeks for Water, led by the WCC Ecumenical Water Network.

Siete Semanas para el Agua 2025, Semana 1: "Aguas sagradas: Honrar los dones de Dios en un mundo cambiante"

La primera reflexión de la serie Siete Semanas para el Agua 2025 de la Red Ecuménica del Agua del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) está escrita por Hella Tangu, una estudiante ugandesa del cambio climático. En esta reflexión, llama nuestra atención sobre la importancia de los glaciares, que con frecuencia no se consideran una fuente de agua dulce. Luego nos desafía a que tengamos en cuenta cómo utilizamos el agua y cuidemos de este valioso recurso como administradores de la creación de Dios, y también a que protejamos los glaciares, principal fuente de agua dulce de la Tierra.

Seven Weeks for Water 2025, week 1: "Sacred Waters: Honoring God’s Gifts in a Changing World"

The first reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2025 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by Hella Tangu, a student of climate change studies from Uganda. In this reflection, she draws our attention to the importance of the glaciers, which are often not considered as a source of freshwater. She then challenges us to be mindful of how we use water, to take care of this precious resource as stewards of God’s creation, and to protect the glaciers, the ultimate source of freshwater on earth.

Site Semanas por el Agua 2024: La Tierra que gime necesita la resurrección del “agua de la vida”

La última reflexión de la serie, Siete Semanas para el Agua 2024, de la Red Ecuménica del Agua del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), está escrita conjuntamente por la Revda. Audra Hudson Stone y Jacob Stone. Sostienen que las catástrofes naturales ya no son naturales, sino provocadas por el ser humano. Estas catástrofes son el gemido de la Tierra, que llama nuestra atención para que enmendemos nuestros actos. Los Stones tienen la esperanza de que, al igual que Jesús se liberó de las cadenas de la muerte, la Madre Tierra también se liberará de su desesperación, sufrimiento y muerte a través del “agua de la vida”: Jesucristo. Para ello, ¡tenemos que favorecer y practicar la “resurrección” de la Tierra!

Seven Weeks for Water 2024, final refection: "Groaning earth needs resurrection through 'water of life'"

The last reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2024 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is jointly written by Rev. Audra Hudson Stone and Jacob Stone. They argue that natural disasters are not natural anymore; rather, they are human-induced. These disasters are the groaning of the earth, which is drawing our attention to mend our ways. The Stones are hopeful that, as Jesus rose from the shackles of death, the mother earth, too, will rise from its despair, suffering, and death through the water of life”—Jesus Christ. To that end, we need to facilitate and practice resurrection” of the earth!

Siete Semanas por el Agua, semana 7: "Agua para la paz en la región Africana"

La séptima reflexión de la serie, Siete Semanas para el Agua 2024, de la Red Ecuménica del Agua del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), está escrita por la Prof.ª Dra. Isabel Apawo Phiri. En ella, reflexiona sobre uno de los primeros conflictos por el agua de los que se tiene constancia en la Biblia y llama nuestra atención sobre los conflictos actuales por el agua, con ejemplos de conflictos hídricos transfronterizos en su región de África. Destaca a Isaac, que eligió, una y otra vez, la paz frente a los conflictos hídricos; un mensaje oportuno para el Día Mundial del Agua de 2024 y su lema “Agua para la paz”. 

Seven Weeks for Water 2024, week 7: "Water for peace in the Africa region"

The seventh reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2024 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri. She reflects on one of earliest conflicts over water recorded in the Bible, and draws our attention to today’s water conflicts, giving examples of transboundary water conflicts in her region in Africa. She highlights Isaac, who chose peace over conflict related to water, time after time—a fitting message for the World Water Day 2024 and its theme, Water for Peace.” 

Site Semanas por el Agua, semana 6: "Agua depurada, gente pacífica: Una reflexión desde Pasifika (Pacífico)"

La sexta reflexión de la serie, Siete Semanas para el Agua 2024, de la Red Ecuménica del Agua del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) está escrita por el Rev. Dr. Jione Havea, de la región del Pacífico. Reflexionando sobre la interesante historia de la Biblia en la que Moisés convierte el agua amarga de Mara en agua potable, con la ayuda de Dios, Havea sostiene que el agua potable puede traer la paz mientras que la falta de agua es una fuente de conflicto, para después animar a los lectores a abogar por la justicia hídrica.

Seven Weeks for Water 2024, week 6: "Cured water, peaceable people: A reflection from Pasifika (Pacific)"

The sixth reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2024 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by Rev. Dr Jione Havea from the Pacific region. Reflecting on the interesting story of the Bible where Moses turns the bitter water of Marah into drinkable water, with the help of God, Havea argues that drinkable water can bring peace while lack of water is a source of conflict. Then he encourages the readers to advocate for water justice. 

Site semanas por el agua 2024, semana 5: "Discernir los signos de los tiempos en medio de lluvias y tormentas"

La quinta reflexión de la serie Siete Semanas para el Agua 2024, de la Red Ecuménica del Agua del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), está escrita por la Rvda. Jane Stranz. En esta reflexión, se detiene en el texto en el que Jesús calma una tormenta, mientras sus discípulos estaban aterrorizados. Nos insta a que pasemos de ampararnos en un Dios con poderes mágicos a tener fe en un Dios que nos llama a participar activamente en el milagro de vencer el miedo. Jesús nos llama a participar en la interpretación de los signos de los tiempos y a emprender juntos una acción responsable por el Reino. Un claro toque de atención en nuestra defensa de la justicia hídrica y la justicia climática.

Seven Weeks for Water 2024, week 5: "Amid rain and storms, discerning the signs of the times"

The fifth reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2024 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by  Rev. Jane Stranz. In this reflection, she dwells on the text where Jesus calms a storm, while his disciples were panicked.  She calls for a conversion from relying on a God with magical powers to having faith in a God who calls us to take an active part in the miracle of overcoming fear. Jesus calls us to share in interpreting the signs of the times and take responsible action together for the kingdom.  A clarion call indeed in our advocacy for water justice and climate justice.