Animal WelfareThe plight of animals is a legitimate concern for the Anglican Church and goes hand in hand with care for creation, to which the Church is committed. There is now a growing number of people who will fight for the animals until they achieve the changes to give animals a decent life. This Diocese accepted two motions, both from Fr Graeme Lawrence, formerly Dean of Newcastle. The first, at the 2004 Synod, called upon the Diocese to seek ways to challenge the Australian community about the care and welfare of animals and requested the Social Responsibilities Committee to consider ways in which the Church might be assisted to a better understanding of its role and responsibilities in the care of animals. The second motion, at the 2008 Synod, specifically addressed the battery cage issue and the suffering caused to laying hens. The motion encouraged the Parishes and Diocesan entities to follow the lead of others in the community to purchase only free-range eggs for Parish and Diocesan catering events. Support from the Rev’d Professor Andrew Linzey, Director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics Congratulations to the Bishop and the Diocese. It was Archbishop Robert Runcie who said that in the light of the “interdependence of creation”, exclusive preoccupation with human welfare is increasingly parochial. So glad that the Newcastle Diocese is pioneering attempts to put animal welfare on the Christian agenda. The Revd Professor Andrew Linzey  The inspirational and insightful words of many famous people encourage us to do all we can for those who have no voice to change the horror of their lives. Here is a small selection. By Meister Eckhart, the thirteenth century Dominican mystic: St Francis of Assisi 1181-1226 Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission – to be of service to them whenever they require it. The Rt. Rev’d Austin Baker, Bishop of Salisbury, 1982-93, is a Patron of the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals. It is in the battery shed that we find the parallel with Auschwitz....To shut your mind, heart and imagination to the sufferings of others is to begin slowly, but inexorably, to die. Those Christians who close their minds and hearts to the cause of animal welfare, and the evils it seeks to combat, are ignoring the fundamental spiritual teachings of Christ himself. The Rev’d Professor Andrew Linzey, Director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. What rational grounds have we for supposing that animal suffering is not as important for the animals as human suffering is for humans? Cardinal Newman 1801-90 Now what is it that moves our very heart, and sickens us so much as the cruelty shown to poor brutes? I suppose this: that they have done us no harm: next, that they have no power whatsoever of resistance; it is the cowardice and tyranny of which they are the victims which makes their sufferings so especially touching …. There is something so very dreadful, so Satanic, in tormenting those who have never harmed us, and who cannot defend themselves, who are utterly in our power. Albert Schweitzer Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to humankind. George Bernard Shaw The biggest threat to animals is not that we hate them, but that we are indifferent. That’s the essence of inhumanity. Professor Peter Singer All the arguments to prove man’s superiority cannot shatter this hard fact: in suffering, animals are our equals. Jane Goodall, D.B.E. Only when we understand, can we care. LinksAnglican Society for the Welfare of Animals The mission of the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals is to promote within the Anglican Church and wider human community thankful awareness of God’s animal creation and practical and prayerful concern for its well being. Animals and Religion ProgramsThe worldwide thrust to lessen animal suffering is gathering momentum. Part of this movement is now the involvement of faith communities. Because people of faith have been at the forefront of social change for centuries, their support, it is hoped, will increasingly influence thinking, both within their own faith and in the wider community. To this end Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society of the United States have developed Animals and Religion programs. The Humane Society of the United States Best Friends Animal Society News ItemsLive Exports Help with the cost of spay/neutering of pets Thanksgiving for Creation Service Reflection“Animals are God’s creatures, not human property, nor utilities nor resources nor commodities, but precious beings in God’s sight…..Christians whose eyes are fixed on the awfulness of crucifixion are in a special position to understand the awfulness of innocent suffering. The cross of Christ is God’s absolute identification with the weak, the powerless and the vulnerable, but most of all with unprotected, undefended innocent suffering.” ContactFor information on animal issues, please contact Olga Parkes, Ph: (02) 49 521358. Or email her at ocp@idl.com.au. Olga Parkes is the Australian representative of the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals. She is a member of the Executive of Animals Australia. |
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The Diocesan Office 
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