Newsmakers - A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion
By: MJ REYNOLDS
Posted: Oct.26.07
Kanab, Utah -- It was the first evening of a late summer retreat at Best Friends Animal Society for a small group of religious leaders from around the country and beyond.
Kris Haley, manager of multifaith outreach for Best Friends' conveys the story.
Feeling particularly inspired one of them, Rev. Michael Bruner, professor of religion at AzuzaPacificUniversity, jotted down some ideas for the preamble to a proclamation to which the group hopes thousands of faith leaders from many countries will eventually add their names.
The sanctuary, at the heart of Southern Utah's Golden Circle of national parks, specializes in helping difficult to place homeless animals. On any given day, the sanctuary is home to about 1,500 dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds and other animals.
On November 7, 2007 leaders representing the world's major religions proclaimed 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 joined 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 proclamation includes Five Calls To Action in 'five arenas that directly impact the quality of animals' lives: Pet Overpopulation and the Plight of Homeless Pets; the Meat and Fur Industries; Animals in Sports and Entertainment; Medical Research and Experimentation on Animals; and Wildlife Preservation and Protection.'
Attending the event, "I felt that kind of electricity your rarely feel, that sense that something very significant was about to happen," said Haley.
'This is an important event in the timeline of the animal protection movement,' said 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."
Read more about the Animal Kindness Proclamation
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