7th Annual Religion and Ecology Summit: Sacred Waters of the World

A three-day online conference hosted by the Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion Program between April 21-23rd 2025.

Sacred Waters of the World: Pathways to Ecological Reverence, Renewal, and Responsibility on a Changing Planet

The 7th Annual Religion and Ecology Summit, titled Sacred Waters of the World: Pathways to Ecological Reverence, Renewal, and Responsibility, invites participants to explore the theme of elemental consciousness with a focus on water—a vital element at the heart of life itself. Water sustains ecosystems, shapes cultures, and informs spiritual practices worldwide. Amid escalating global water crises—ranging from pollution and scarcity to climate-driven challenges—this Summit seeks to address how ecological degradation reflects a deeper crisis of consciousness. By fostering an awareness rooted in reverence, renewal, and responsibility, participants will consider how water’s sacred nature can inspire profound respect for the natural world and safeguard the well-being of both human and more-than-human life.

Through the interconnected themes of reverence, renewal, and responsibility, the Summit will explore water’s multifaceted significance. Reverence highlights water as a bridge between the ordinary and transcendent, central to rituals, mythology, cultural identity, and survival. Renewal emphasizes the capacity for ecological and spiritual regeneration, spotlighting conservation efforts and rights-of-nature initiatives that restore balance and purpose. Responsibility underscores the moral duty to protect water resources, advance water justice, and ensure equitable access for all beings. Together, these themes offer a transformative framework for understanding water’s essential role in fostering a sustainable and sacred relationship with the Earth.

Panel Themes and Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Swati Thiyagarajan, Sea Change Project

The Power of Water in Religious Networks and Creation

• Dr. Willis Jenkins (University of Virginia)
• Reverend Dr. Brian Kolia (Malua Theological College)
• Rabbi Dr. Ariel Mayse (Stanford University)
• Dr. Stephen Lansing (University of Arizona)
• Michelle Boyle (California Institute of Integral Studies)

Water Spirituality and Ethics for Environmental Change

• Dr. Christiana Zenner (Fordham University)
• Dr. Elizabeth McAnally (Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology)
• Dr. Michael Lynn Wellman (California Institute of Integral Studies Alumnus)
• Dr. Calynn Dowler (Vanderbilt University)
• Dr. Elizabeth Allison (California Institute of Integral Studies)

Radical Remembering: A Gathering of Three Bodies of Water

• Dr. Aaniyah Martin (The Beach Co-op)
• Dr. Joanne Peers (Centre for Creative Education)
• Dr. Meghan Judge (University of the Witwatersrand)

Rivers and the Rights of Nature in the Southeast

• Casey Camp Horinek (Movement Rights)
• Dr. Crystal Cavalier Keck (7 Directions of Service)
• Mr. Thomas Linzey, Esq. (Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights)
• Chief Diane Richardson (Rappahannock Tribe)
• Talia Landry (Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe)

Summit Program

Webinars will be hosted on Zoom and links will be emailed to registered guests before the event.

Day 1: Monday, April 21

Online Welcome: 9:30am – 10:00am PDT 

• Summit Opening with Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion Program Coordinator Charlie Forbes
• Provost’s Address with Dr. Kathy Littles
• Convener’s Address with Dr. Elizabeth Allison

Online Panel: 10:00am – 12:00pm PDT
The Power of Water in Religious Networks and Creation

Online Panel: 1:00pm – 3:00pm PDT 
Water Spirituality and Ethics with Environmental Change

Day 2: Tuesday, April 22

Online Keynote: 9:00am – 10:00am PDT

Online Panel: 10:00am – 12:00pm PDT
Radical Remembering: A Gathering of Three Bodies of Water

Online Panel: 1:00pm – 3:00pm PDT
Rivers and the Rights of Nature

Day 3 (In-Person Add-On): Wednesday, April 23

Watershed Witness Tour: 1:00pm – 4:30pm PDT

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San Francisco's Still Trickling Histories: Replenish Our Responses Towards Torrential Futures

Beneath San Francisco’s streets, fresh waters still flow—revealing hidden histories, ongoing struggles for justice, and opportunities for ecological renewal. Join us for an immersive tour exploring these overlooked waterways and their cultural significance.

Led by Joshua Halpern, an experienced watershed guide and Metamorphosis Ecologist, this journey will take participants through key locations where urban and natural ecosystems intersect.

Important Information:

• This tour is a free "Add-On" to your ticket purchase.
• Limited to 20 participants for an intimate experience.
• Car caravan format (rideshare encouraged).
• Meeting Point: Baker Beach parking lot, Gibson Road entrance.

Participants who add the Watershed Witness Tour to their ticket purchase will receive pre-event questions and suggestions, as well as required event forms that must be signed and returned to esr@ciis.edu before the event.

Tickets

Ticket cost is on a scale: $10, $15, $25, or $50. All ticket tiers grant access to the entire event. Please contact us if you would like to attend and cannot pay. Proceeds support the presenters and the Religion and Ecology Summit. The Community Supporter level will support future ESR initiatives. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful event!

Can't Attend the Event?

Recordings of the Summit's panels and the in-person tour will be made available to registered participants on the CIIS Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion Program YouTube page following the event.

Contact Us

For questions, please reach out to ESR Program Coordinator, Charlie Forbes at cforbes1@ciis.edu.

Visit our Event Community to listen to recordings of previous SummitsLearn more about the Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion Programs