Ecology

Water is essential for all creatures—the very lifeblood of Earth. Not surprisingly, water also has rich cultural, ecological, and spiritual dimensions. Increasingly, though, water is under threat due to over-consumption, pollution, and privatization. As people of faith, how are we responding to these challenges?

In light of these concerns, The United Church of Canada's 38th General Council mandated focused work on water issues, with concrete ways of exploring the intertwining themes of water, spirituality, and justice.

Water in Focus Initiative

Water in Focus invites congregations into spiritual development, education, and action on water issues in Canada and around the world. See the Water in Focus page to see how you can get involved: focus on water in worship, take action, learn, involve youth, and dialogue.

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Water Policy

The United Church adopted several policy decisions about water at its 39th General Council in 2006, including calling congregations to advocacy and asking the Canadian government to oppose water privatization.

• Water: Life before Profit

The United Church's witness for water justice issues has continued since the 2006 General Council meeting.

• Letter Opposing Nestlé’s Permit to Take Water
• Letter Supporting Global Water Sanitation

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Global Partnership Water Survey Report

In 2004, the United Church sent a Survey Questionnaire on Water Issues to global partners. A summary of the survey report and several partner stories arising from it are featured in Waters of Life: Issues, Ethics, and Actions: Five Study Sessions for Faith Communities. The complete report [PDF: 14 pp/250 KB], including many more quotes from global partner organizations, is available.

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Notes from a Large Lake

Looking at water through a scientist's eyes, this photo gallery details the life of Lake Winnipeg from spring breakup to spring breakup, with NASA satellite images and field notes by Greg McCullough. Notes from a Large Lake was created to supplement the weekend water readings of Living Waters: Daily Reflections for Lent.

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Related Links

The Council of Canadians*

The Council of Canadians has numerous campaigns to ban the bulk export of Canadian water and head off the gradual commodification and privatization of this priceless, public resource.

Blue Planet Project*

The Blue Planet Project is building a movement to secure the right to water and sustainable solutions to the global water crisis.

Inside the Bottle*

Inside the Bottle is the Polaris Institute's website chronicling community, student, labour, and legislative action to fight water bottling companies around the world. It includes news and updates, actions and campaigns, and an interactive Google map that tracks bottling plants and distributes information about them.

The Earth Day Network*

The Earth Day Network is currently engaged in an ongoing campaign for "Water for Life."

The Water Observatory*

A good general source on water issues, particularly those related to globalization, trade, and privatization.

Web of Creation: Ecology Resources to Transform Faith and Theology*

Maintained by the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Web of Creation is specifically aimed at theological students interested in environmental ministry. It features a wide range of ideas, resources, and strategies for doing eco-justice. See especially Philip Hefner's sermon Techno-Earth and the Rainbow Covenant*, which is cited in Living Covenant.

Evangelical Environmental Network and Creation Care Magazine*

The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) was formed out of a belief that many environmental problems are fundamentally spiritual problems. Creation Care magazine is EEN's flagship publication. See especially the Creation Sunday worship service,* which is cited in Living Covenant.

For more information, contact:

Joy Kennedy
Program Coordinator, Ecological Justice
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4069
E-mail: Joy Kennedy