"The water of the river of life, clear as crystal, flowing ..." (Revelation 22.1) is a description that most of us can identify with and easily imagine. We have seen pure, clear waters flowing over sand, gravel and rocks, glistening in the sun. It makes the heart rejoice and reminds us of God’s cleansing waters of baptism.

In recent months the quality and management of water in Canterbury have become hot button topics. I have attended rallies and listened carefully to citizens who are deeply concerned about the decrease in our quality of water. The question, as always, is whether to become involved or to let others shoulder the responsibility. I don't pretend to be an expert on water or the effects of irrigation schemes in the Canterbury plains. But I am a firm believer in responsible stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us, and I think there comes a time when one must speak.

So on the 13th of June I participated in the event at Cathedral Square along with some 2500 others. It was not an angry gathering and significant numbers of families were present. Most of the speakers were excellent and a cairn was erected, filled with stones from the braided riverbeds of Canterbury and blessed with water from the Waimakari. Many of the stones had prayers written on them. The emotions ran deep that day because the people care. I was pleased to bless the cairn and hope it will stand as a reminder that the people of Canterbury are concerned about the stewardship of our natural resources. Even more I pray the day will come when it is dismantled because the problem is solved and the people of God in Canterbury have clean water again and their democratic right returned.

I don't know if you are concerned about water quality or another social justice issue. But I do hope that part of your Christian witness is speaking out about the stewardship of creation and the needs of the human community. Never fall for the old line that "politics and religion don't mix" because in fact there is no such thing as a private faith. The Gospel is meant to influence every aspect of our lives and it is meant to be costly.

So dear friends in Christ, speak up about what matters to you! Be good stewards of God's bounty and glory.