Celebrate World Water Day
March 22, 2009
When the poor and needy seek water, I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. (Isaiah 41: 17-18)
Water is a basic requirement for all life, yet water resources are facing increasing demands from, and competition among, users. In 1992, the UN General Assembly designated 22 March of each year as the World Day for Water.
One billion people across the world still lack clean drinking water and 2.6 billion lack access to a adequate sanitation. Unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene cause 80 percent of the sickness in developing countries and the deaths of 5,000 children a day. Add to this the depletion of water resources from contamination, over extraction and climate change, and the picture is much worse. Faith communities recognize clean water as a priceless gift of God’s Creation. But too few of us may realize the magnitude of the water crisis we face. On World Water Day 2009 that can change. In Matthew 25, Jesus reminds us: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.”
Lift up water issues in your congregation.
Downoload these sermon ideas  from Teresa Lockhart Stricklen,
Associate for Worship.
Use this bulletin insert on March 22.
Take a step for World Water Day
The average distance walked by an African or Asian woman each day to collect water is 7,000 steps (3.5 miles). To shorten her journey, here are practical steps that you might take after prayerful consideration.
Support Water for All
 Without clean water, good health is impossible. In many parts of the world people suffer chronic and life-threatening illness, and children die needlessly for lack of accessible clean water. Funds for this project provide technical assistance, equipment and training to develop sources of clean water in needy countries.
Write letters to Congress asking them to support adequate U.S. funding for sustainable, affordable drinking water and sanitation projects in countries where they are most needed. Find your elected officials.
Get involved
A PC(USA) Water Mission Network was formed in 2008. The network brings together Presbyterians who are concerned about and involved in water issues to share and learn from each other and coordinate their efforts. To learn more about the Water Mission Network and find out how you can get involved contact the Rev. Wil Howie.
Water advocacy
Advocacy is a key to helping more people across the globe gain access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.
The Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act
The United States government provides $300 million annually to fund clean drinking water and sanitation projects around the world. Learn about the Water for the Poor Act.
Private versus Public
Explore the issues around water privatization in the United States and around the world.
Why Think Outside the Bottle?
Bottled water corporations are changing the way people think about water. Learn more.
You can also visit these Web sites to see what the latest advocacy needs are and to download advocacy materials. On these websites you will find fact sheets as well as sample letters to send to your representatives.
Water resources and links
Resources compiled by the Peacemaking program
Water Issue of the PHP Post – Spring 2009
For I Was Thirsty (bulletin insert)
Downloadable Water Resources from Church World Service’s Water for All
Water and the Community of Life from Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Water for life: community water security booklet
Published by the Hesperian Foundation, this booklet provides practical guidance on how communities can achieve access to water. It explains the relationships between water security and health and outlines how to develop a plan for community water security, plan improvements to the water supply, protect groundwater sources, collect rainwater, transport and store water safely, and make water safe for drinking and cooking. The booklet advocates partnerships between government and communities to provide water security and argues that water privatization can lead to raised prices. A final section highlights international agreements that protect the human right to safe water.
General Agreement on Trade in Services and Water
The WTO-administered General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) poses an increasingly serious threat to the sustainable and equitable management of scarce water resources globally, and in developing countries in particular. The GATS is the first ever multilateral, legally enforceable set of rules to cover a wide array of services, ranging from business related services to water supply and sanitation services. Read the full report from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.
Sharing the Waters of Life - PRC 2005 National Conference
Water: Life Before Profits - from KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
Water: A Sacramental Commons Web site from National Catholic Rural Life Conference
Water for Life: Press release from the World Council of Churches meeting in Brazil.
|
