WATER at the Women’s March on Washington

There was a brilliant energy in the air at the Women’s March on Washington. As the WATER contingent stood at the corner of First and Independence SW, our blue banner flowing in the wind, we felt a sense of solidarity and hope. As hundreds of thousands of marchers flowed in from every direction, we, alongside our colleagues from the Loretto Community and Wesley Theological Seminary, laughed at passing signs, “Eve was Framed,” “Tweet women with respect,” and “Nasty Women get s*** done.” We listened to the drums, rhythmically moving us forward, and joined chants of “Black Lives Matter,” “Our Body, Our Choice,” and “Immigrants are Welcome Here.”

When we returned to the office on Monday, many in the WATER community around the world shared stories of hope for the first time since the election. Several marchers stopped in to share their experiences. During the Women-Church Convergence call and as part of the evening meditation by phone and in the office we heard the same refrain: we acted together and we plan to do more. There was a renewed sense of resilience even in the face of executive orders meant to exploit and divide.

We will carry the spirit of the Women’s March on Washington forward as we use feminist religious values to support immigrants, women of color, LGBTQIA individuals and families, our environment, and all that comes under threat in the days to come.

Thanks to all in the WATER community for providing a memorable March experience. We strive to live as the justice-focused global community about which others dream.