August 6, 2007
By Phina Borgeson

During the hot and dry months of August and September, the National Council of Churches (NCC) Eco-Justice Program is asking churches to use water wisely as part of their Adamah Congregations action program (online at http://www.nccecojustice.org/adamahh2o.html).

The NCC hopes to reach people through organizing bible studies on water across the nation.

"The sacredness of water in our faith tradition is stated clearly throughout the Bible," says Cassandra Carmichael, Eco-Justice Programs director. "The average American uses 80-100 gallons of water per day. We pray that as congregations study the scripture that they will be moved to protect this precious gift."

Ron Thomson, a member of the Four Winds Native American Congregation in Sacramento, California, responded "Bible studies on water! Yes!"

Thomson, who serves as director of Water Programs for the National Tribal Environmental Council, noted that water is a "resource that is dwindling and becoming polluted."

"In my work I'm involved in discussions with local, state, federal and other stakeholders interested in the future of western water planning and management," he said. How nice it would be to have the Episcopal Church also be a part of this discussion, and to explore the care of our environment in our churches' educational programs."

Joyce Wilding, Environmental Ministry Leader in the Episcopal Church's Province IV, recalled that the General Convention in 2003 resolved to advocate public policy which ensures accessible clean water for all.

"Every parish member needs to learn more about the scientific and ethical principles that govern a solid water ethic," says Wilding, who earlier this year organized the conference "Water for Life: Conserving Water for Nature and People" conference in Sewanee, Tennessee.

One of the key targets of the seventh Millennium Development Goal (Ensure Environmental Sustainability) is "to bring potable water to all those [who] live in poverty" notes Jim Jordan, chair of the Committee on Science, Technology and Faith.

"Looming beyond the MDGs are the potential changes in water availability patterns due to global warming," Jordan said. "The world is barely prepared for the MDGs, and not prepared to deal with the effects of climate change on the lives of the billion people who live in poverty."

Jordan, who also chairs the board of the Sea Ranch Water Company in California, underscores that while engaging the MDGs – compounded by the impacts of global warming – is "a daunting task," individual and congregational actions do matter.

"Efforts for water conservation, proper distribution and use, proper treatment and recycling of wastewater – all are our Christian witness to the community, local, regional, national, and international."

Karen Lehman, community garden coordinator at Thanksgiving Lutheran Church in Santa Rosa, California, echoes the concern about water in the west and urges congregations to find out what their local water company can do to help them be good stewards.

"Santa Rosa Water Conservation Department was extremely helpful with advice in setting up our irrigation system, saving water and money and still keeping our garden green," she said. "We learned that the city even pays dollars for green grass. When you tear out a living lawn and replace it with drought tolerant plants they rebate up to $2500 to businesses and congregations."

Congregations can register to host a bible study and participate in the Adamah congregations program on the NCC Eco-justice website. The Water Stewards Toolkit, including information and reflection on watershed protection, good earthkeeping action steps on a range of issues, and "Sacred Waters" lesson plans for five bible-based adult studies, can be downloaded after registering.

To register and download resources, go to http://www.nccecojustice.org/adamahh2o.html.

Find the General Convention resolution on water issues at http://eenonline.org/educate/gc/2003/res-03-d070.htm.

Episcopal News Service
The Rev. Josephine Borgeson, a deacon in the Diocese of Northern California, reports on science and faith for Episcopal Life Online. Portions of this article were taken from an NCC news release.