The Humane Society of the United States is proud to introduce its new Animals and Religion program, an interfaith program to engage religious people and institutions on an array of critical animal protection issues.
The Humane Society of the United States' mission to protect animals is consistent with the collectively held religious value of caring for creation and the principles of mercy and compassion. All of the world's major religions encourage ethical behavior towards others, especially those who suffer and are powerless, and all animals should be the subjects of this ethical consideration too.
One of the major initiatives of the Animals and Religion program is Food, Farming and Faith, which recognizes the central role of food in religious traditions and promotes faithful stewardship of animals in agriculture. Through this initiative, we will explore the sacred dimensions of food in various religious traditions and highlight its vital place in community and faith (e.g., Kosher, Halal and the Eucharist).
Food, Farming and Faith also brings into focus the link between industrial animal agriculture and central issues of faith communities such as global hunger and the growing concern of climate change.
"Relying on bedrock religious principles of compassion and care for all creation, we hope to persuade religious institutions and individuals to make more humane and sustainable food choices," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "I encourage all people of faith to learn about the treatment of animals raised for food, to square their own consumption habits with religious principles and to advocate for improved farm animal welfare policies at the local, state and national levels."
The CEOs prior to Mr. Pacelle -- who collectively served for 34 years -- were clergymen, who joined The Humane Society of the United States after extended periods of religious service, so The HSUS has a long history of leadership in this area and an institutional respect for the power of religion in our personal lives and within our culture.
The Humane Society of the United States' Animals and Religion program builds on 15 years of directed HSUS work to foster scholarship and advocacy focused on caring for creation.
The United Methodist Church and The Episcopal Church are two denominations with official statements addressing farm animal welfare and other current animal protection issues. The HSUS will be calling on these denominations and other religions and faiths to support its animal protection efforts.
Visit the Animals and Religion program website at humanesociety.org/religion.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty—On the Web at humanesociety.org.
