The Anglican Church's Position

The Episcopal Network for Animal Welfare

The Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals

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The Episcopal Church's Response

The following resolution was adopted by the Episcopal Church's General Convention in 2003.

Resolution D016

Topic/Title: Stewardship: The Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 74th General Convention recognize that responsible care of animals falls within the stewardship of creation; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church encourage its members to ensure that husbandry methods for captive and domestic animals would prohibit suffering in such conditions as puppy mills, and factory-farms; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church’s Peace and Justice Office identify existing guidelines to educate its members to adhere to ethical standards in the care and treatment of animals; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church, through its Office of Government Relations, identify and advocate for legislation protecting animals and effective enforcement measures.

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The Worldwide Anglican Response

In 1998 the Lambeth Conference adopted the following resolution.

Resolution 1.8 Creation

This conference: (a) reaffirms the biblical vision of creation according to which: Creation is a web of inter dependent relationships bound together in the covenant which God the Holy Trinity has established with the whole earth and every living being.
   (i) the divine Spirit is sacramentally present in creation, which is therefore to be treated with reverence, respect and gratitude;
   (ii) human beings are both co-partners with the rest of creation and living bridges between heaven and earth, with responsibility to make personal & corporate sacrifices for the common good of all creation;
   (iii) the redemptive purpose of God in Jesus Christ extends to the whole of creation.

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The Church has spoken. All creation is imbued with God's Spirit and must be treated with reverence. We are called to make personal and corporate sacrifices on behalf of creation. It is no longer an option for members to ignore the suffering of our fellow creatures. We are called to "ensure" that the suffering that occurs for animals in conditions such as factory farms is prohibited. We must take actions to that end, educate others, and seek to advocate for legislation that will protect animals. Such action will include making wise and merciful choices about what we buy and what food we eat, choices that will sometimes be difficult. This is a necessary step in following the persistent call to mercy and justice.
~The Rev. D. R. Deinsen