"As a faith leader, I celebrate the Women's Water Walk as I focus on the beginning of the scriptures where God's Spirit hovers over the waters as the creation story unfolds.  What a wonderful image of the creative power of the divine being, working with the essential element for life, which is water!  Water is a flowing network of channels that first emerges as springs from the depths of the earth, forming pools that flow into streams, combining into rivers that move and shape their way across the earth to gather into lakes and oceans.  Here the cycle begins again.  Water is still and peaceful,   Water is raging and fierce.  Water floods and washes across the land leaving chaos behind.  The ebb and flow of water is part of each life story.    We are all nurtured in the water of the womb and are water born into this world, where water is as necessary for life as air and earth.  The position of the Open Doors denomination, which is United Methodist, is: Water is a sign of God's commitment to the people of earth and an invitation to receive the blessing of fullness of life.  Clean and abundant water is the cornerstone of abundant life and prosperity for all - including the creation.  Water, then, is precious.  Clean water is increasingly scarce which increases food uncertainty and the risk of life-threatening disease.  Water is not to be privatized or monopolized as a resource for only the few.  As it is fundamental to survival it must be shared by all and protected from pollution or diversion that leaves any area or people without water. Water is a blessing to be received with gratitude and cared for in preparation for generations to come.  it is not ours.  it is everyone's.  It is a gift of life we leave as and inheritance to the children of the future.   (Drawn from the United Methodist Theological Statement of the Social Principles found in the Book of Discipline and statements contained in the United Methodist Book of Resolutions).

Since there is a link between the pipeline and data centers I will add that the United Methodist denominational position on data centers is that they are to be observed carefully over extended periods of time for greater understanding of the implications on the creation and human life.  Impacts of all kinds are to be monitored.  No data center and no AI system has precedence over human life or quality of life and survival.  There are questions to be addressed that have not been answered.  Data Center, then, should be a "slow walk" and on hold until we have a greater understanding of the impact on human life, natural resources, and the created world." ​
– Rev. Betsy Ott, Pastor, Open Doors a United Methodist Community
Franklin, NY ​


"I welcome the Women’s Walk to my property on the bank of the Ouleout Creek because I am opposed to the proposed Continental Pipeline. I’m greatly concerned that my community could be threatened by the incursion of oil and gas infrastructure. This project would cross numerous small streams and waterways in our area, putting our local water resources at risk. We live in such a beautiful part of New York State with irreplaceable clean air, natural beauty and excellent drinking water. We should not have to risk our home for an industry that is losing ground to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. There is not a long-term future for fossil fuel infrastructure, and I don't want our community to be environmentally impacted by the risks of a pipeline that could become obsolete within a decade or two"
– Jim Hartel, Franklin resident, artist, former Franklin Central School teacher and Vietnam War veteran
Franklin, NY


“If constructed, the Constitution Pipeline would cut right through my property. In the event of an explosion, this puts my family within the 800-foot incineration zone. I have spent years removing invasive species from the forests, planting native trees, and nurturing the meadows here. The thought that this would all be destroyed to build an unnecessary fracked gas pipeline to power AI data centers is devastating. This pipeline would tie our region’s future to fossil fuels at the exact moment we must do the opposite. I am so grateful to every person walking across New York to raise awareness and help protect our water, farms and forests.” 
– Tanja Konwinski, Affected Landowner
Warnerville, NY


"We are honored to have the Ouleout Creek Watershed recognized by the people of the Women’s Water Walk.  It is beyond special. Their intent and purpose has united and uplifted our collective spirit. We thank you!" 
– Compressor Free Franklin
Franklin, NY


“Pine Lake is proud to host the Waterfall Unity Alliance for this historic Women’s Water Walk. Bringing Indigenous elders, grandmothers, and grassroots activists together on our land to organize, pray, and protect our shared waters is incredible and what Pine Lake is all about.”
– Matthew C. Sanford, Executive Director of the Pine Lake Environmental Center and the Baking Innovation Lab
Oneonta, NY