10/7/07 A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion -Okay to Cross Post

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http://network.bestfriends.org/religion/news/20029.html A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion October 24, 2007 : 6:03 PM An Invitation from Best Friends!On November 7, leaders representing the world’s major religions will proclaim to the nation, and the world, that principles of kindness to animals should be an integral part of religious teachings.On that day, in an event hosted by Best Friends Animal Society, pastors and priests, rabbis and imams, and leaders of other religious traditions will join together to sign “A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion,” an historic document that calls on all people of faith to speak with one voice on behalf of animals.The event will be held this November 7th at 9:30 a.m. in the Cannon Caucus Room, in the Cannon House Office Building in

Washington, D.C.“This is an important event in the timeline of the animal protection movement,” says Paul Berry, Best Friends’ executive director. “People of faith are often the gatekeepers of critical social reforms in our country, and this event signals a major shift in their thinking on animal protection.“The religious leaders who developed this proclamation are showcasing great courage and moral leadership on behalf of the animals, so we’re asking our members and friends to make the trip, attend the ceremony, and demonstrate their enthusiastic support for the brave efforts of these religious leaders. They deserve a big show of our support at the event.”The event is free and open to the public, and advocates for the cause of animal protection are encouraged to attend and show their support for this important effort.Berry added, “If any big groups want to attend, some kind folks have offered financial aid for travel. So, anyone

needing help to make the trip—or anyone offering financial aid for groups wanting to attend—should contact Kris HaleyThe Proclamation that will be unveiled in D.C. on Nov. 7th is the result of weeks and months of spirited discussion and debate. And, it all began in a two-day retreat hosted by Best Friends at our sanctuary in Angel Canyon. During that retreat, Best Friends facilitated a frank and earnest discussion among religious leaders from across the country about issues on animal protection such as blood sport and factory farming—and the “confounding silence” among people of faith on such issues. During and after the retreat, many other faith leaders joined the discussion over the Internet, and a consensus of principles emerged in the form of an inspired, formal proclamation intended to break the silence—and call on

people of faith, and leaders of faith, to put compassion into action for all of God’s creatures.The concept of caring for all of nature is becoming more and more a concern for people all over the country, regardless of their faith or philosophy. In 2006, a nationwide poll commissioned by Best Friends found that 89 percent of Americans agree that “we have a moral obligation to protect the animals in our care.” Download our Animals & Religion – A Kindness Revival (PDF) to learn more.In spite of that astounding consensus, we also learned in that poll that religious leaders in their churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues have largely ignored kindness and compassion toward animals in their messages to their congregations. The consequences of violence in our society—to animals and each other—are inextricably linked. So, the need for more persistent and

pervasive attention to animal protection issues across all sectors of our society—including the religious sectors—is fundamental and essential to social progress. From dog fighting and the culture of criminality that surrounds this brutal practice, to the violence toward animals among young people that predicts violence and sociopathic behavior as adults, cruelty to animals is both a moral issue and a community issue. Leaders of faith, as many did during the Michael Vick dog fighting scandal, can use the pulpit to proclaim compassion and kindness toward animals as a foundation of their religious faith, but that message can’t end when cases of violence to animals isn’t front page news.“A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion,” developed by the religious leaders in the weeks since the retreat at Best Friends, offers the united belief that “animals have intrinsic value as part of God’s creation and are entitled to live lives free of cruelty and exploitation. We

therefore invite and encourage people of all faiths to speak with one voice on behalf of those who cannot speak.”That unified call for action among people of faith for a new emphasis on kindness and compassion to animals will be officially unveiled in the official signing ceremony November 7, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building in the nation’s capital.The event is free and open to the public, and advocates for the cause of animal protection are encouraged to attend and show their support for this important effort.The proclamation highlights five problem areas regarding animal welfare, followed by five corresponding calls to action such as:  Adopting rather than purchasing companion animals Reducing meat consumption and only buying from farms that implement humane practices Rejecting forms of entertainment that harm or exploit animals Becoming

aware of current harmful medical and commercial testing on animals and advocating for more humane alternatives Speaking out against over-aggressive land development that encroaches upon wildlife populations and habitat“We in the animal protection movement owe a huge debt of gratitude to the religious leaders who joined together to create this historic document,” added Berry. “We’re encouraging everyone who can make the trip, to attend the event and show these folks that we appreciate their courage and commitment to our cause.”For more information on event details, email Kris Haley at krish. The Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion was authored by leaders of the following 21 faith traditions: Assembly of God, Baptist, Buddhist, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church of the Brethren, Community of Christ, Episcopalian, Interfaith/New Thought, Islamic, Jain, Jewish, Lutheran, Pentecostal,

Presbyterian, Quaker, Religious Science, Roman Catholic, Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist.After the event in D.C., Best Friends will continue to facilitate this important effort by giving people around the world an opportunity to lend their support by signing an online version of the document, which will be posted on November 7. People and leaders of faith interested in joining this effort can visit Best Friends’ Animals and Religion Network Community.“It’s abundantly clear that people of faith are looking to religious leaders to speak out on compassion for animals,” said Berry. “In facilitating this remarkable collaboration of religious leaders from such diverse traditions, we’ve seen that kindness to animals is a universal moral and ethical principal. Best Friends will continue to help build this initiative into a true grass-roots

movement.“Beginning with the event in Washington, and continuing with the online campaign for one million Proclamation signatures, ‘A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion’ offers our friends and colleagues in the animal welfare community an unprecedented opportunity to reach one of the most influential demographics in the nation – communities of faith.”What you can do:Best Friends supporters in the national capital area are invited – and encouraged – to attend the November 7 signing ceremony. RSVP to the Animals and Religion Community manager, Kris Haley• Tell your minister, rabbi, priest, imam, pastor or other clergy about the November 7 signing of “A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion,” and encourage them to visit Best Friends Animals and Religion Network Web site to learn more about the

effort. • Tell other congregants about your commitment to kindness to animals as a part of your religious values. Download a flyer about the Proclamation.• After November 7, the Proclamation will be available online so you can add your name and lend support to Best Friend’s effort of gathering one million signatures in support of kindness and compassion for animals in religions teachings.COMPASSION FOR ANIMALS: A UNIVERSAL SPIRITUAL VALUEReligious leaders from an unprecedented diversity of faith traditions will carry a single message to Washington D.C. on Nov. 7: Be Kind to Animals. WHO:An alliance of religious leaders representing faith traditions worldwide, people of faith, and Best Friends members and supporters.WHAT:The official unveiling and signing ceremony for “A Religious Proclamation for Animal

Compassion”WHEN:Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.WHERE:Cannon Caucus Room Third Floor Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, D.C.SPONSOR:Best Friends Animal Society