Animal Rights 2008 National Conference (August 14-18)
There is an icon on the top right of the screen. But I’m posting links to pages of personal interest.
On Sunday, August 17th, at 11 a.m., there will be a Multi-Faith panel discussing various topics relating to animals and religion.
Engaging Religion (engaging Christian, Jewish, Moslem, and minor religious denominations) - Dalal, Grisham, Haley, Schwartz Outlines
Outlines (so far, only two out of four are posted) for talks in that session
Here’s mine:
Inspired years ago by the late, great Rev. J.R. Hyland’s “Humane Religion” web pages, I long for the day when Christianity-as-practiced can be regarded as a humane religion, or at least, not as a inhumane religion. As an Episcopalian, where I am an “activist-of-faith in the One who desires mercy and not sacrifice”, I long for the day when people of my denomination will take to heart the publicly-made promise we hear made at every baptism, to “renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God” (Book of Common Prayer, page 302), and allow public discussion of this topic in our congregations.
In my talk, I plan to touch on:
- ASWA, ENAW, resolutions, conventions;
- challenges and successes; what works for me and what I try to avoid;
- the importance of self-identifying as an “animal-person-of-faith”, connecting and organizing with others;
- qualities the Animal Rights Movement and Organized Religion might have to offer each other;
- speaking out against overtly exploitive or abusive local customs, language, dismissive attitudes; filling in the gaps;
- building on what’s available, and what others have done;
- seeking mutually-acceptable alternatives/solutions to suggestions by opposing interests (for example, other church-related special interest groups).
I’m going to enjoy being there again.
I also will be thinking about Wanda Nash, who carpooled with me, back in 2002. She was always such an encourager for me. And I know that if there is life after death, she is out there somewhere cheering me on. Who would have guessed, back in 2002, that I would be going again, this time as a speaker?!
(Little me, the “pew-warmer with no voice”.)
And I can’t think of anything I’d rather talk about, on a Sunday morning!
Tags: AR2008, Wanda Nash