The Water Communion (Water Ritual) is a ritual service common in Unitarian Universalist congregations. It is usually held in the fall, during September, as it is the beginning of the Liturgical year.
Some congregations of other religions have also adopted the ritual. For example, a United Methodist service on Earth Day 2013 in Austin, TX includes a water communion.
History
The first Water Ritual was held at the November 1980 Women and Religion Continental Convocation of Unitarian Universalists in East Lansing, Michigan. It was created by activist Carolyn McDade and UU leader Lucile Schuck Longview Eight women were asked to bring water from different sources, including rainwater, the Assiniboine River, the Atlantic ocean, the Rio Grande, and the Pacific Ocean. The rest is returned to the world.