Through song and spirit, six musicians are helping to raise awareness of people's responsibility towards all of God's creation, including animals.
"We are delighted that these talented musicians are dedicated to animal protection," said Christine Gutleben, director of The Humane Society of the United States Animals & Religion program. "Through their music, they celebrate animals as a beautiful part of God's creation. These artists have perfectly captured the spirit of our campaign and we hope everyone who watches and listens will be as inspired as we are."
The All Creatures Great and Small campaign aims to raise awareness about our responsibilities to all animals, including those raised for food. In recent decades, agriculture has taken a harsh turn and animals on factory farms are treated like mere objects. Individuals are encouraged to sign a pledge to support the campaign by making more humane food choices for the month of October.
Adjoa Skinner, Erica Kirkendall and the members of Sleeping At Last — Ryan O'Neal, Chad O'Neal and Dan Perdue — dedicated their videos and renditions of the song "All Things Bright and Beautiful" to The Humane Society of the United States in support of its All Creatures Great and Small campaign. Their videos can be seen on The HSUS's YouTube page at youtube.com/hsus.
Adjoa Skinner is an up-and-coming jazz/soul singer and songwriter from North Hollywood, Calif. She has released one album, a compilation of her recent live music.
"Finally, an opportunity to stand up for the little guy," said Skinner. "The HSUS' All Creatures Great and Small campaign is timely in this Go Green movement. The mandate that our Creator gave to us to care for his creation rings true yesterday, today and for as long as we walk this earth. Now is the time for us to unite in raising our voices for those who cannot speak for themselves."
Erica Kirkendall is an independent songwriter and performing artist from Manitou Springs, Colo.
"This campaign is about more than just switching to cage-free eggs," said Kirkendall. "It is also about generating awareness of the suffering animals face every day on factory farms. If Americans knew what really goes on in factory farms, they would be shut down. God has entrusted animals to our care; eat mercifully and pass it on."
Sleeping At Last is an alternative/independent rock group from Wheaton, Ill., that operates under the Interscope Records label. They have released four albums.
"We are absolutely honored to lend our music to help raise awareness of the importance of making smart and humane food choices in our daily lives," said the members of Sleeping At Last, in a group statement. "By choosing cage-free or free-range eggs or by simply eating less of them, we can create such a huge impact on the overall well-being of these beautiful, breathing creatures. We are so privileged to work with The HSUS to help remind us all of the gift of compassion."
The campaign's goal is to educate people of faith that eating is an activity that has moral and spiritual significance. Concern for animal welfare has a longstanding tradition in denominations and faiths worldwide. Many denominations in the United States have adopted official statements on animal protection and animal welfare.
In addition, All Creatures Great and Small has support from a wide range of religious leaders including Right Rev. John Bryson Chane, Bishop of Washington; Imam Muhammad Hagmagid Ali, Vice President, Islamic Society of North America; Fr. John Dear, SJ, Nobel Peace Prize Nominee; Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Haifa, Israel; and Brian McLaren, renowned author, speaker and pastor.
The campaign offers ways for individuals and communities to get involved — from individual study guides to resources meant for small group and large congregation presentations.
For more on the campaign visit humanesociety.org/allcreatures.
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The Animals & Religion program of The Humane Society of the United States engages religious communities in critical animal protection issues, with a focus on promoting faithful stewardship of animals in agriculture. The HSUS is proud to be featured in the Religion Newswriters Association source guide on Animals & Religion.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 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.
