Our symbol for 2026 – Immersion in Living Water – is a symbol of renewal and birth: water flowing from the Temple as a sign of God’s caring and healing for us. We are called to step into the water, until we are so deep that we must depend on God’s grace to sustain us. Those who receive this water are invited to become sources of life for others, allowing God’s love to flow through them into the world. And thus the water of God will become in us “a spring of water welling up to eternal life”, as Jesus promised (John 4:14).
The Symbol invites Christians to a spiritual immersion – praying together while contemplating water from rivers, sources, fountains, baptismal fonts, lakes and sea, inspired by the Spirit of God, working together for the renewal of Creation.
This Symbol also urges us to dive into the “tears” of creation (Romans 8:22-23), by allowing our hearts to be touched by the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Indeed, the Season of Creation is also an appropriate time for fraternal closeness and solidarity with the vulnerable and the poor, chiefly those who suffer from environmental degradation. We can learn from their stories, from their resilience, from their commitment, and together keep hope alive.
Call to Action
Our Father calls us to accept His love (1 John 4:19). Welcoming that love as daughters and sons, through a continual conversion of mind and heart, is our lifelong calling. If we choose to step into the true living water, we can contribute to a more just and life-giving world for the entire human family as well as for non-human creation.
Food security: Ezekiel’s prophecy speaks of trees that “bear fresh fruit every month” (Ezek 47:12). We are called to shape and influence our policies and practices so that all people have access to nourishing and safe food, so that the fruits of biodiversity are shared equitably. Churches can also promote greening projects which reflect Christian values on their own land, and/or equip their members with skills to grow some of their own food.
Water pollution: We are called both to refrain from and to denounce harmful pollution, while at the same time urging governments, local authorities, industry, and agriculture to act responsibly and protect water sources.
Water and sanitation: Many of our brothers and sisters still lack regular access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Therefore, we must act so that households, schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship — including churches and parishes — have access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Environmental education: Parents, catechists, clergy, and faith communities are thus called to foster a holistic care for creation — human and non-human alike — drawing not only on technical knowledge, but also on relationships, ethics, and spiritual formation.
Drawing spiritual inspiration from Creation: Through contemplation of the natural world created by God (Job 7–12), we are invited to move from domination to humility, from exploitation to care, and from short-term profit to long-term flourishing. This transformation is both spiritual and practical, requiring a rethinking of values, economic systems, and educational priorities.
Tree growing: Many churches now link tree planting to key moments of faith such as baptism, confirmation, and funerals. Let tree growing become an integral part of our spiritual lives. Trees absorb carbon pollution, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, provide food and medicine, and cool urban environments—they truly bring healing to the nations.
Caring for our oceans — our “Blue Lung” — which face rising threats from waste discharge, overfishing, pollution, and deep-sea mining. Life and biodiversity beneath the waves must not be treated as out of sight and out of mind. May educators help our communities see and value these marine worlds. May government leaders act with courage to protect marine biomes and livelihoods. And may we choose guardianship that keeps the Blue Lung breathing for generations.
Ecosystem and biodiversity restoration and protection: We are called to restore land in our churches, homes, and communities. There are many initiatives which we can engage with : a Decade of Climate justice has been declared by both the World Council of Reformed Churches and the World Council of Churches; there are online platforms such as Laudato si’ Action Platform, Anglican Communion Forest and national programmes such as Green Church / Eglise Verte or Eco Church – A Rocha International.
Let us overcome our fear and step into the water of God’s love – to be part of the River of Transformation for the world, to see the literal healing and renewal of creation and the blessing of the Earth.