Water & Spirituality: An Interfaith Dialogue on Water

This two-day on-location workshop's purpose was to provide future Alberta leaders with the tools, insight and connections to promote sustainable water use.

For many human populations water is a sacred component of cultures, their traditions and teachings throughout the world. We examines the foundational ethics behind spirituality and stewardship through multiple perspectives (Aboriginal teachings, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism). Water is a vulnerable entity in the 21st that demands an assessment of how spirituality directly, or indirectly, influences water governance.

The elements of the workshop included:

• Explore: the various faith and non-faith based perceptions of water in a practical (mandatory utilization – daily, ceremonial etc.) and spiritual (metaphoric references as in holy texts, teachings etc.) sense.

•  Discuss: together, with local cultural groups, raise questions, generate ideas, and establish a vision regarding the future of our water – inspired through faith and spirituality. Establish how to foster collaboration in theory and practice.

• Reflect: on the manifestation of ‘responsibility’ (both individually and communally) as directed by faith and spiritual morality; such as dealing with matters of stewardship – protection and conservation, and governance.

Through experiential field tours of religious sites, participants were exposed to a variety of ways water is used in spiritual settings and to influential leaders navigating our future. Through interactive dialogue and group activities, the group also explored, innovative ideas for sustainable change.

Individuals from all faiths were welcomed and encouraged. Download the complete invitation, above, for all the details!