Right Reverend John Bryson Chane, Bishop of Washington
Our faithful stewardship of creation includes being mindful of the animals entrusted to our care. The principles that underlie the All Creatures Great and Small campaign are consistent with the religious spirit that compels us to show them our mercy and regard. More humane and sustainable dietary choices can be a powerful testimony of our faith and service to the Lord, especially in a time when the whole of creation depends so heavily upon our goodwill
>> Watch the Video
The Very Reverend Samuel T. Lloyd III, Dean, Washington National Cathedral:
At the center of the Christian faith is a belief that the whole of God’s creation deserve reverence and respect. Washington National Cathedral is honored to support the All Creatures Great and Small campaign as an expression of our commitment to be stewards of the earth and its inhabitants. We believe improving farm animal welfare is part of a broader moral imperative to honor all living creatures and we look forward to hosting the kick-off of the campaign at the Cathedral.
Greg Boyd, Author, Letters from a Skeptic, and president of Christus Victor Ministries
>> Watch the Video
Imam Muhammad Hagmagid Ali, Executive Director, All Dulles Area Muslim Society, Vice President, Islamic Society of North America
The underlying premise of the All Creatures Great and Small Campaign, the compassionate treatment of all animals, including farm animals, is consistent with the highest principles of Muslim belief and practice. The Quran bids us to treat animals with respect and not to abuse them. It teaches us that animals are communities in their own right, that animals speak and praise God in their own way, and that God provides for their sustenance just as he does for our own. These principles are reinforced by the words ascribed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), to the effect that "Whoever is kind to the Creatures of God is kind to himself." Prophet Muhammad (peace by upon him) prohibited the mistreatment of animals and praised those who showed compassion towards them.
Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Haifa, Israel:
I wholeheartedly endorse the campaign of HSUS. It is a basic value of our Jewish Religion and tradition to refrain from 'Tza'ar Ba'alei Chaim', or to refrain from inflicting pain and suffering on any living creature, Amen. Our faith requires us to follow the ways of the Lord and as we read in Psalms 145:9 - 'The Lord is good to all and his compassion extends to all his works," we know that every animal is certainly included in the term 'His works.' He has made all that is alive and He is the source of all life. Let us try to follow His ways and be compassionate to every living creature.
Fr. John Dear, SJ, Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, New Mexico
It is simply untenable for any thoughtful person to support the unimaginable suffering perpetuated by today's factory farms. The nonviolent Jesus was a model of compassion. He loved all people, all creatures, and all of creation. People of faith should do the same. We need to become people of compassion and nonviolence in every aspect of life, to reverence all people, all creatures and all of creation at every level. I urge every person of faith and conscience to put compassion and nonviolence first, even with our daily food choices, that we can begin anew to welcome a new world of peace.
Sr. Ilia Delio, OFM, Chair & Professor-Department of Spirituality Studies, Director of Franciscan Studies
The Christian tradition believes that all creation is sacred. The Franciscan tradition in particular maintains that every creature, large or small, reflects the goodness of God. Animals are not merely objects for human consumption but creatures of God's glory. By harming animals, or causing them to suffer needlessly, we lose sight of the place of humans in creation and the purpose of creatures as expressions of God's love.
Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb, Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, Bethesda MD
Compassion – rachamim in Hebrew – is perhaps the greatest virtue we can cultivate. Denial, on the other hand, is among the most insidious challenges we face, for which Yom Kippur helps us. Too often we strive to be compassionate, yet remain in denial about the reality of our daily choices. The Humane Society’s “All Creatures Great and Small” campaign helps us confront the implications of our choices, and refine our sense of compassion, starting with a small step -- addressing a common ingredient (especially in Ashkenazi cooking!), which too often comes to our tables via confinement and cruelty – ‘the incredible, edible egg.’
The Right Rev. Dan Edwards, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada
The Right Rev. Thomas C. Ely, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont
The Right Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah
Brian McLaren, Author, speaker and pastor
In the beginning, our sacred texts tell us, God created this beautiful creation, including land, sea, and sky teeming with creatures that have been entrusted into human care. Whether through destruction of habitat or inhumane treatment of farm animals, we're failing to uphold that trust. The HSUS seeks to mobilize and motivate compassionate people to show greater respect for the dignity of our fellow creatures in this sacred creation....helping humanity be more humane. This is a mission worth supporting! BrianMcLaren.net
Bishop Richard J. Wills Jr., Tennessee Conference, United Methodist Church
Click here for a complete list
Add your voice to the growing list of religious leaders who have endorsed the All Creatures Great and Small campaign.
