Seven Weeks for Water 2016 to focus on Holy Land

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) is inviting its member churches and supporters to reflect on water during Lent. For many in the world, water is either taken for granted or in desperately short supply.

Seven Weeks for Water 2016 will take us on a pilgrimage of water justice in the Middle East, with specific reference to Palestine.

In accordance with the Christian tradition, Lent is a time to prepare for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ.

During this period many people engage in fasting and practise moderation or self-denial in order to focus on repentance and consecrating themselves to God.

In 2016, the WCC’s Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace with a regional focus on the Middle East, will launch in Jerusalem on 10 February – Ash Wednesday, according to the Western traditions of Christianity.

The launching service will begin at 5 p.m. in the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem.

Leaders of the WCC, Middle East Council of Churches and local churches will participate in the launch ceremony.

Biblical and theological reflections and resources for the seven weeks will be based on the water crisis in the Middle East and take into consideration issues of justice and peace.

Those interested in following the event on social media will be able to visit Facebook.

Since 2008, the EWN has provided weekly theological reflections and other resources on water for the seven weeks of Lent and for World Water Day on 22 March.

The EWN invites you to use this season of Lent (10 February to 27 March 2016 according to the Western traditions of Christianity, and 14 March to 1 May 2016 for Orthodox Christians) to reflect on water.