From Temples to Toilets

The day was truly “A day where cleanliness was next to Godliness” exclaimed the host Mt Alfred Ironsides, a Director of communications of the Ford Foundation.

UNICEF and USAID sponsored a program for the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) this past Wednesday September 25th

The Global Interfaith WASH Alliance is the world’s first initiative to engage the Earth’s many faiths as allies in global efforts on water and sanitation. The plan is for GIWA to cooperate as a decentralized, non-hierarchical and action-oriented civil society network of religious leaders and faith-based organizations united by a common concern: to advance the achievement of the MDG on water and sanitation, and create a world where every human being has access to sage drinking water and improved sanitation.

Many distinguished presenters and guests helped to focus on the critical aspects which make up WASH: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. It was presented that safe water and sanitation underpinned all the other MDG’s.

Alexandra Pierre, who works for the World Youth Parliament for Water showed us the eco-toilet that has been developed and in use in such countries as Haiti. Even though their may be access to water, there are still many ‘water slaves’ who only spend their day walking/carrying water for the family.

Sister Karen Schneider, a Sister of Mercy and a physician, commented on her remote and rural service “It is a good day if I find a toilet”.

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the Chief Imam of India and the President of the All India Organization of Imams of Mosques will be asking the Imams to share about the Global Hand Washing Day which all religious leaders can address.

The Brahma Kumaris fully appreciate and support the theme of Cleanliness is next to Godliness. The activities by the Brahma Kumaris centers and students are fully in line with washing and good sanitation. This is key to keeping the temple of the body a holy place for the spirit, the soul, to reside. Inner peace and inner cleanliness naturally goes with outer cleanliness and an outer peace.

May you always be clean and pure.

– by Erik Larson, NGO representative