‘A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion’ unveiled in Washington D.C.
Click on the cake to see the menu that the Chef at the Holiday Inn put together for our group:
Here is a little first hand “witnessing”:
Pictured below are religious leaders from the following denominations and religions: Episcopal, Unitarian Universalist, Buddhism, United Methodist, Community of Christ, Lutheran, Judaism, Roman Catholic, United Church of Christ, Interfaith/New Thought, Church of the Brethren, Presbyterian, Religious Science, Islam.
(Additionally, others who were involved in the Planning Retreat and/or the Proclamation, but were unable to travel to Washington, were religious leaders other faith traditions, including Baptist, LDS, Pentecostal, Assemblies of God, Mennonite, Quaker, Jain, Unity, and Spiritualist. Quite a lot of diversity, rallying around this issue together. I feel it is important to mention that, because the group does cover a very wide religious spectrum, which will hopefully resonate with many people with different religious backgrounds.)
Click on this first picture to read Best Friends’ article on the event:
Click on this second picture of two of the Episcopalian co-authors (who were able to attend), to read more about the Proclamation:
Now that the ceremonial signing is over, we are looking for one million people of faith (of any religion) to sign the Proclamation on-line.
(And who is more faithful than a dog?)
One lasting memory (out of chronological order):
a Lama, a Rabbi, an Imam, a Priest and an Evangelical Pastor all sitting together in the front row — all facing in the same direction:
What an honor it was to be a part of this!
Click here to order a copy of the DVD, for your own edification, and to share with your community of faith.
Below are some of the statements I’ve found in various places. (But it’s better to hear and see, than to read about it. So get the DVD and experience the whole thing!)
Read the Press Release on Congressman Shays’ site, to read: “Shays Statement at the Signing of the Best Friends Animal Society Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion”.
Read Rabbi Robin Nafshi’s statement.
Read (The Rev.) Steve Keplinger’s statement. (This is a .pdf file, in case that matters.)
Read (The Rev.) Michael Bruner’s statement. (Posted with permission to distribute as I see fit.)
Click here to read Gary’s account of the day, at www.animalwritings.com
Click here for more pictures from Washington — and also from the retreat in Utah last July.