“With glaciers melting faster than ever, it severely impacts the availability of water for billions of people. It is leading to floods, droughts, landslides, and rising sea levels,” said Dinesh Suna, WCC programme executive for Land, Water, and Food, and coordinator of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network. “Communities and ecosystems worldwide are at risk. Recognizing this crisis, the Seven Weeks for Water campaign calls on faith communities to take action by reducing emissions and advocating for policies to combat glacial melt.”
The campaign will feature weekly biblical-theological reflections from prominent theologians and church leaders worldwide, addressing the connections between water, climate change, and faith. The resources will be available on the WCC Ecumenical Water Network webpage and shared on WCC social media channels. Furthermore, webinars will be organized with contributors to the Seven Weeks for Water.
This initiative also aligns with global efforts such as the UNESCO and World Meteorological Organization’s “Decade of Action on Cryospheric Science (2025–2034),” which will be launched alongside the United Nations World Water Development Report 2025: “Mountains and Glaciers – Water Towers.”
Churches and faith communities are encouraged to engage with the resources, host discussions, and amplify the campaign using #SevenWeeksForWater on social media.
Since 2008, the WCC Ecumenical Water Network has been providing weekly theological reflections and other resources on water for the 40 days of Lent.
Key Events and Activities
- Launch Prayer Service (5 March 2025) – WCC Ecumenical Centre, Geneva
- Weekly biblical-theological reflections by global theologians and church leaders
- Engagement in global advocacy efforts related to glacier preservation and water justice
- World Water Day (22 March 2025) – Release of the United Nations World Water Development Report 2025: “Mountains and Glaciers – Water Towers”
- Webinars around World Water Day with authors of Seven Weeks for Water
Release of the Bible studies:
- Week 1: 5 March (Wednesday)
- Week 2: 10 March (Monday)
- Week 3: 17 March (Monday)
- Week 4: 24 March (Monday)
- Week 5: 31 March (Monday)
- Week 6: 7 April (Monday)
- Week 7: 14 April (Monday)
Churches and faith communities worldwide are invited to engage with the campaign, host discussions, and amplify awareness on social media using #SevenWeeksForWater. Together, we can take action to protect our glaciers and sustain life for future generations.
Access Weekly Reflections & Resources here
Tags: Glacier Preservation, impact of climate change on the world’s glaciers, Lenten discipline and the Climate, Seven Weeks for Water
