Let Justice Flow Like Water UNCSW62 blog 4

             This morning, the Anglican and Episcopal Delegations were privileged to lead worship at the Church Centre for the United Nations. Each day, a new Ecumenical Women member delegation is presenting the story of a biblical woman who overcame oppression, and presenting a symbol of that woman's journey to be left on the central focus point. It's a beautiful opportunity to ground ourselves in the Spirit as we commence our work in justice-making.

            Our biblical Shero was the Woman at the Well (John 4), whose story was told by original dramatic interpretation. We used prayer resources from different countries; the intercessions were offered by a number of delegates, in the beautiful tongues that God gave them. We sang hymns, we offered our symbol of water, and we were blessed by the Native American (Episcopal) bishop.

            All throughout, the theme of our worship was on water.

            It was fitting, then, to hear multiple references to water throughout the day. The official UNCSW Opening Sessions included addresses from a variety of experts, reminding us that women and girls who live in rural areas have significantly lower access to clean water, (20% rural, compared to 68% of their urban sisters). It was reiterated that as rural women and girls are excluded from political decisions, their well-being will continue to suffer - in areas of wage gap, literacy, and water and sanitation. We heard anecdotes of women walking to fetch water for themselves and their families, in treacherous conditions. We were provided numerous distressing statistics about the disproportional negative impact on women and girls as food insecurity increases with water shortages, climate change, commodification, &c.

            Water is a medium through which we must all recognise the inequality that exists for women and girls in rural areas.

            Water: the life-blood of the planet. The essential element for life to exist. The basic necessity to everyone, everywhere.

            It's no wonder we attach a sacred connotation to water. It's the essence through which the presence of God created the cosmos, it's the analogy for the flowing presence of justice, it's the element for our sacramental rituals. Water is ever-present and all-important.

            It was with all of these connotations that water was used in a blessing this afternoon; as we gathered around the chapel's font we prayed as water was poured on our hands, asking God to bless the hands for the work we are committed to this CSW and beyond.

            So water, today, is the conduit for justice and peace efforts, it is the mechanism for blessing, it is the reminder of our sacred connection with all of creation - and therefore with all of God's people. As such, water is the reminder for all of us to pray and act to provide equal access for all to drink deeply of the living water that Christ offers.