Water Communion

The Water Communion (Water Ritual) is a ritual service common in Unitarian Universalist congregations. It is usually held in the fall.

History

The first Water Ritual was held at the November 1980 Women and Religion Continental Convocation of Unitarian Universalists in East Lansing, Michigan.^[1] Created by activist Carolyn McDade and UU leader Lucile Schuck Longview "as a way for women who lived far apart to connect the work each was doing locally to the whole",^[2] it has come to be used as an ingathering/homecoming ritual for UU congregations.

Ritual

Due to the nature of Unitarian Universalism, traditions vary from one congregation to another; however, most Water Communions follow the same general idea. Throughout the year, members of the congregation collect samples of water from various places they go to, ranging from vacations to homes. At the service, the samples of water are placed in a bowl and allowed to mix. This water is often used for ceremonial purposes at other times of the year or is returned to the Earth. "Returning Water to the Earth"

Symbolism

The symbolism, like that of the comparable Flower Communion, can be interpreted in various ways. The classic life-related symbolism of water is apparent. The rejoining of many waters can also symbolize the rejoining of the congregation after summer travels.

McDade and Longview chose this way to honor the "journeys" of women, and to represent the way women both contribute to and draw from each other's strength, working both individually and together, to bring change.

References

External links

• "The Water Ritual" Booklet of the original ceremony written by Carolyn McDade and Lucile Longview
• "Celebrating the Water Communion"
• "Changes to Water Service Bring Deeper Meaning"
• "A Water Service for Individuals, Families or Congregations" by Eliza Blanchard
• "International Water Communion" September 2011
• "Got Water?" UU Service Committee