Reverence for Life Program

Home , Matthew Scully, Norm Phelps

REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM

May 2013 REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 2

Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry Reverence for Life Program

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 3

Introduction

Introduction 5 An Issue of Justice and Faith 8 Commitment to Reality 10

An Issue of Faith is an Issue of Justice 16 What Really Happens….

The Reverence for Life Program - A Pathway of Commitments 22

Organize Your RFL Team and First Meeting 23 Take the First Online Course 25 Contact the Reverence for Life Coordinator (Application of Intent) 25 Offer Seeking Circle Sessions 25 Determine a Course of Action - 4 choices 26 Option #1 Organize Activities Take the Second Online Course 26 Optional: Host a Reverence for Life Workshop 26 Option #2 Become a UUAM Chapter 27 Craft a Congregational Action Plan 29 29

Option #4#3 Becoming- Becoming a a“Reverence "Certified for ReverenceLife Covenanted for Life Congregation” 30 Obtain Congregational Affirmation to Proceed 30 Required ActivitiesCongregation” and Actions 31 Call for Congregational Vote to Gain Certification 33 Individual Certification as "Reverencer" 34 Self Care 35 Feedback 36 Diagram of Process 37

References 38

Appendix A: Specific Resources for Reverence for Life Programs 39 Appendix B: A Historical Context 46 Appendix C: Program Forms and Materials 53

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Thanks to the original authors on the Reverence for Life Task Force  Rev. Dr. Russell Elleven, Minister, Westside Unitarian Universalist, Forth Worth, Texas;  Jennifer Greene, Director of Religious Exploration, South Nassau UU Congrega- tion, Freeport, New York  James Sannes, Member, Elora-Fergus Unitarian Universalist Church, Fergus, On- tario, Canada;  Steven R. Storla, Member, First Unitarian Church, Portland, Oregon;  Vicky Talbert, Member, Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist, Ke- nosha, Wisconsin;  Dianne Waltner, Member, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, Kansas.

Thanks to subsequent authors and editors Rev. LoraKim Joyner, DVM, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, FL Mike Gruteke, First Universalist Parish, Derby Line, VT

Thanks to the Fund for Unitarian Universalism for supporting this program through a grant.

Thanks to the members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry whose membership dues, and chapter and Reverence for Life Pilot Program participa- tion made this program a success.

Who Are UUAM Members?

UUAM is a group of concerned Unitarian Universalists and UU friends who desire to grow and express their faith as compassion towards all beings. We do this by asking these fundamental religious questions: What does it mean to be human in mixed species communities? What is our response to this understanding?

To answer these questions we draw on our UU principles and sources, traditions, and congregational life to deepen our awareness of the interdependence of life. We then support one another in not just learning how caring for all beings is a moral and religious issue, but also engaging in concrete actions that bring about change on the individual, family, congregational, community, and societal level.

We do this not just for nonhumans, but for ourselves and all of life. For as we live a life of awareness based on our interdependence (UU 7th Principle) and the inherent worth and dignity of all beings (UU 1st Principle) we live fully, deeply, and authentically. As we come to love our neighbors as ourselves, we liberate not just others, but ourselves as well.

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What We Do

We serve as a central source of nonhuman animal awareness and education for UUs by relating the religious and spiritual aspects of our tradition to justice and ethical issues.

We provide a community to support one another. Whether we are undertaking personal changes in our everyday choices, or engaging in advocacy for nonhuman animals, we cannot do this work alone. We need one another.

We promote and support justice-making efforts for nonhuman animals within congregations and within UUA as a whole.

Our Guiding Principles

The seventh principle of Unitarian Universalism calls us to respect the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part. We of UUAM understand that human beings are only a strand in the intricate web of life.

While our Unitarian Universalist principles affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person and call us to seek justice and compassion in human relations, we extend these principles to include other species who also possess an intrinsic value.

Recognizing the beauty and interconnectedness of all species that call us to wholeness and toward justice for all beings, we dedicate ourselves to:

Growing our Unitarian Universalist faith in the interdependence of all life that reveals itself in the inherent worth and dignity of all beings.

Informing ourselves about nonhuman suffering

Seeking and promoting ecological justice

Inspiring respect and reverence for the earth and all its creatures

Living in harmony with the natural world, which includes a deep respect and commitment to human as well as nonhuman animals.

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Introduction

In everything you recognize yourself again. Wherever you see life—that is you! What is this recognition, this knowledge apprehended by the most learned and the most childlike alike? It is reverence for life, reverence for the impenetrable mystery that meets us in our universe, an existence different from ourselves in external appearance, yet inwardly of the same character with us, terribly similar, awesomely related. Reverence before the infinity of life means the removal of the strangeness, the restoration of shared experiences and of compassion and sympathy. ~ Albert Schweitzer

multicongregational level, such as clus- The Reverence for Life Program assists ters, districts, and regions. Other organ- Unitarian Universalists interested in izations may also become involved, understanding human relationships whether secular or faith based. We will with other species, and what might be use the term "congregation," which we the response of both individuals and mean to cover any organizing group congregations to this understanding. that has come together for this program. Grounded in Unitarian Universalist principles and our rich religious and Congregations in this program may philosophical traditions, most im- elect to become a UUAM chapter. Alter- portantly Albert Schweitzer's Reverence natively members within an entire con- for Life Ethic, the program aims to gregation can covenant with each other deepen awareness that all life is inter- to be on a path of learning about the in- connected and interdependent (UU 7th herent worth and dignity of every being Principle) and all beings have inherent and becoming advocates for all life. worth and dignity (UU 1st Principle). Congregations may also seek certifica- This awareness gives humans a chance tion as a Reverence for Life Congrega- for nourishment, healing, and a sense of tion. Furthermore, individuals may be- belonging to the web of life, so that they come certified as "Reverencers." may in turn nourish and heal the world. This nourishing and healing leads us to Whatever the path, deepening one's examine moral questions as we begin to faith and enlarging one's action by share a vision of liberation that includes committing to reverence for life calls on all creation. each of us to make a commitment to life. Specifically these commitments are: For this aim, the Reverence for Life Program supports congregations in the  Commitment to reality process of beginning, growing, and revi- o tragedy talizing their animal ministries. Alt- o suffering hough primarily aimed at Unitarian o beauty Universalist congregations, this pro- o interconnection gram is also suitable for groups or or- o science ganizations that exist at the o behavior

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 Commitment to communication The second section provides a map for this journey. The diagram shows the  Commitment to practice process that a typical congregation will follow. The remainder of the section  Commitment to community guides the participants on a path that leads to the options of becoming a This manual guides congregations UUAM Chapter, making a "Congrega- and individuals through these commit- tional Reverence for Life Covenant" and ments by outlining steps of this pro- seeking "Congregational Reverence for gram with accompanying information Life Certification." The section includes and suggestions. It is part of several re- recommendations for adult, youth, and sources that compose the Reverence for child exploration of multispecies ques- Life Program. Its complements are the tions. Suggestions for successful leader- Seeking Circle Sessions Guide, the Rev- ship and self care are made. Resource erence for Life classes, the Reverence recommendations are included to assist for Life Team and Coordinator, and a individuals and congregations as they Reverence for Life facilitated workshop move more deeply into exploration of (formerly known as a Multispecies the relationships between humans and Awareness Encounter workshop). other animals and begin to refine their multispecies ethic. In this manual are three sections, with three appendices. In this first sec- The third section outlines how indi- tion we examine how animal ministry is viduals may become certified as a matter of faith and of justice. Here we "Reverencers." This is a new section for lift up how having reverence for life not this manual edition, included because of only heals the human heart and spirit, the energetic and copious requests re- but can bring justice to our communi- ceived over the last year. ties of multiple species. Specifically we examine the issues of institutionalized Appendix A provides additional, animal abuse, mistreatment, and exploi- non-annotated supporting resources in- tation deeply embedded in a wide range cluding blogs, podcasts , and other elec- of familiar spheres of daily living. This tronic offerings. Appendix B provides a systematic cruelty often is so visible, so historical context for this moral impera- customary and so prevalent that it is active of our time. Appendix C includes cepted by many without examination. materials to use in the program, includ- The authors intend that this section ing applications, multispecies surveys might disquiet the readers, startle them for use in congregations, and a guide to and move them to raise questions about Compassionate Communication. how, with heightened awareness, Uni- tarian Universalists in general, and the- For further information or support: se readers in particular, can begin to end these practices and make our world Reverence for Life Coordinator a more compassionate home for all be- Rev. LoraKim Joyner, DVM - ings, human and nonhuman. [email protected]

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UUAM website http://www.uuam.org (to get a copy of the Seeking Circle Ses- sion Guide, view classes, and join)

Reverence for Life Program manual http://www.uuam.org/docs/reverence- for-life-program.pdf

If you are unable to download and print the manual from the internet, contact Rev. Joyner at [email protected] to receive a hard copy, or mail a request to

UUAM 4531 Winnequah Road Monona, WI 53716

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An Issue of Justice and Faith

We need to love the world through reverence that fosters observant attention to the intricate, relationality of life . Reverence is a form of love that needs to be learned and af- firmed. And this is what congregations are for: to teach us to give reverent attention to life. The task given to us here and now is to do what we can to advance reverence for life and deepen the promise of love. ~ Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker

Reverence for life..it is the whole ethic of love in its deepest and its highest sense. And it is the source of renewal again and again for the individual and for humankind. (adapted)

By having a reverence for life, we enter into a spiritual relation with the world. By practicing reverence for life we become good, deep, and alive.

Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace. ~Albert Schweitzer

Each of us, of course, must assume responsibility for awakening. Others may be responsi- ble for our being born, but what we make of our lives, how deeply and intensively we live, is our responsibility, and ours alone. Part of being born again, in a Unitarian Universalist way, lies in waking up to the fact that all of life is a gift. ~ Rev. Forrest Church

Our Unitarian Universalist faith stands illness, immigrants, migrant workers, tall on a foundation crafted by our fore- gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender bears. We revere its many sources and people, and many more with whom we celebrate its evolution. Ours is a faith of partner in the work of liberation. reason, vision and hope, with social justice as its mission. We move with con- Our efforts, passions, and commit- viction against inequity and oppression, ments gradually change inequitable sys- uniting with others to create a more tems and the lives of individuals. As just, equitable, compassionate, and Unitarian minister Theodore Parker peaceful world. wrote in 1853, though the arc of the

For centuries, Unitarian Universal- ists have worked to secure rights and moral universe is long, “it bends toward equity for all people. Abolitionists, suf- justice.” That arc curves toward justice still; fragists, civil rights activists, and count- we stand not at the end of history but in less other reformers fill our history. the midst of it. Drawing on science, ex- Even today, our efforts and commit- perience, and reason, ethicists, theolo- ments bring change around the world: gians, academics and many of the rest for prisoners, women, victims of disas- of us now know that the animals with ter, child soldiers, people with mental whom we share the— planet are sentient —

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 9 beings, capable of both pleasure and Cove. suffering. They have emotions, complex social arrangements, intraspecies and While some might consider these interspecies communication, and family bold ideas radical, they are far from units. Regardless of their characteris- new. They build on a foundation set tics, we are compelled to ask, "Does it down by our Unitarian Universalist matter?" Tom Regan speaks of species forebears. Our history is dotted with as if they were a cup, saying that each passionate ministers and laypeople who individual is a beautiful cup (or chalice spoke up about animal use and abuse. in our case) full of his or her own inher- To choose just one example from the ent worth and dignity, no matter what scores, in 1789 Unitarian supporter, qualities or characteristics we humans abolitionist and philosopher Jeremy many choose to fill it with. Bentham called for the end of animal abuse, writing,

"The question is not, Can they rea- takenThe to biblical mean domination concepts of or “dominion” resource son?, nor, Can they talk?, but, Can management,and “stewardship” may noover longer these be beings, an ap- if they suffer? Why should the law re- propriate interspecies ethic. In the fuse its protection to any sensitive words of Alice Walker, describing Mar- being?" The Dreaded Comparison, Even as our forerunners in this existjorie Spiegel’sfor their ownargument reasons. in They were faith inspire us, we do well to look to- not made for“The humans animals any moreof the than world ward the future. What kind of world do black people were made for white, or we want to build for those who will Science, spir- come after us? The Rev. Peter Morales, ituality, and contemporary ethics raise president of the Unitarian Universalist unsettlingwomen created questions for men.” about how to live in right relations in this multispecies learn to suffer with other creatures and world. acceptAssociation, our intimate writes that connection “when we with truly all beings we will begin to end exploitation, We join many other thoughtful peo- violence, war, racism, hatred, and op- ple questioning longstanding assump- other animals. In the past five years, pression.” Thus, we are challenged! In the pre- bestsellingtions about authors humans’ have relationships brought u withn- sent, how might we engage in respect- precedented attention to human rela- ful, generative conversation about our tionship with other animals. Recent relationships with other animals? How books by Peter Singer, Jonathan Safran could we use the transforming power of Foer, Jeffrey Masson, and Unitarian Uni- love to guide our journey? How would versalists Gary Kowalski and Norm the practice of extending care and com- Phelps challenge us to bring our daily passion beyond humanity to other ex- choices into alignment with our princi- periencing beings change our own lives? ples and values. Our popular culture re- How would we covenant with one another if we decide to make changes in Food, Inc., Peaceable Kingdom and The our daily habits? And how far might flects society’s concerns in films like May 2013

REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 10 any of this go for us as people of faith? and social groups?

To answer these questions, which You may have felt a compassionate the Reverence for Life Program helps us connection to these animals from fara- raise, we must begin with a commit- way places. Perhaps you observed that ment to reality. they, like you, felt pain and experienced pleasure. And perhaps repudiation of Commitment to Reality cruelty awakened within you. Maybe this experience was your first aware- Until we have the courage to recognize ness of oppression. cruelty for what it is—whether its victim is human or animal—we cannot expect Indeed, many children show acute things to be much better in this world... concern about unjust treatment of ani- ~ Rachel Carson, author of Silent mals. Over time, however, many of us Spring numb ourselves to the unnecessary abuse of animals used for our enter- People who dare to advance that animals tainment, beauty products, clothing, and are but animated machines can never food, while retaining our care for com- have observed with attention the charac- panion animals. ter of animals; not to have distinguished among them the different voices of need, Our compassion for animals of dif- of suffering, of joy, of pain, of love, of an- ferent species varies according to our ger, and of all their affections. It would be cultural lenses. We love, adore, and, very strange that they should express so even organize our lives around the ani- well what they could not feel. mals who live as our companions, going ~ Voltaire so far as to knit them coats, buy them toys, and respond half-awake to their Remember the excitement of your first demands to be fed. When we witness or circus? The sights, the smells, the see a story about someone who inflicted sounds, the exotic animals, the fascinat- cruel or harmful treatment on a puppy ing people. You were transported! Re- or kitten, we may feel shock at the mor- member the vague unease that accom- al wrongness of such behavior. panied your second, or maybe third, visit? You may have wondered how those Do we feel shock at the living conditions and mistreatment of the billions of tigers goaded to anger by the snapping animals raised for food in this country ofanimals whips. felt… Was thosethat majestic incredible elephant lions and each year? Or the animals used for our chained alone to the post lonely, sepa- entertainment, and in the exotic animal rated from her family, not able to roam trade, the elephants, the dolphins and with her herd? What about the exotic birds? Greyhounds and hors- those colorful parrots on the midway, es whose bodies are broken by racing? born to soar, whose wings were clipped, Dogs surgically altered to conform to a ending all ability to fly free over the breed standard? Bulls and horses delib- jungle? Or the amazing sea mammals, erately caused pain so they will throw pulled away not only from the rhythms riders off their backs? And rabbits with of the tide, but also from their families eyes burned to test products we use to

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 11 scent ourselves? Is the skin in our belt recognizing them as sentient beings and worth the life of the animal to whom it affording them certain rights. belonged? Do we tacitly sanction unnecessary research and experimenta- Grounded in truth and endowed tion in laboratories and universities with compassion, ours is a prophetic across our countries? faith. We are called by science, our principles and a reverence for life to exam- Humans have learned that other ine issues of justice as they relate to all sentient beings experience awareness, animals human and nonhuman. As we consciousness, pain, and pleasure. address inequities, let us stand with Mainstream science today accepts that love and– extend our circle of compas- these capacities extend across species sion to end unnecessary suffering for all from pigs to puppies, cows to chimpan- creatures. With our conscience as our zees, whales to wolves. Biologists and guide, let us embrace the inherent ethnologists document the complex so- worth of every creature of all species cial structures, even cultures, of many and come closer to creating a truly just species, reporting group hierarchies, world. childrearing practices, social learning and knowledge transmission, and social Talking about creating justice and roles. Studies confirm flexible ritual ending cruelty in abstract terms is rela- practices, mourning behaviors, and oth- tively easy. Cruelty does not pain us if er activities consistent with complex emotional states. hand, non-euphemistic, concrete de- wescriptions keep it invite“out there.” us to face On the (or otherrationa l- In response to this deepening un- ize) realities rather than ignore them. derstanding of our companions in crea- The Reverence for Life program does not tion, many religious people are rising up require any participant to exhaustively to call for an end to animal mistreat- study the routine inhumane treatment ment at human hands. We proclaim that of animals raised or used for human all sentient beings have the right to a life food, clothing, entertainment, or desire. free of unnecessary suffering inflicted by humans. In the United States and The program does ask that par- Canada, citizens are slowly securing leg- ticipants briefly acquaint themselves islation extending protection of animals with the effects of contemporary animal beyond companion animals to farmed management practices on animals, the animals and individuals used for enter- people who work with them, and hu- tainment. Animal justice and animal man health. rights groups are more visible and better funded than ever before. In the Eu- tient beings, pay full regard to the welfare re- ropean Union, the legal system recently quirements of animals, while respecting the mandated protection for all animals,1 legislative or administrative provisions and customs of the Member States relating in particular to religious rites, cultural traditions and 1 “In formulating and implementing the Un- regional heritage.” From the Lisbon Treaty of ion's agriculture, fisheries, transport, internal the European Union 9/05/2008. market, research and technological development and space policies, the Union and the Member States shall, since animals are sen-

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up by one leg to have their throats cut To understand the breadth of ani- and be bled to death. Too many an animal mistreatment, we must first recog- mal is still alive and frightened when nize the routine ways our culture re- the saws and cleavers begin to take her lates to other animals. So, let us briefly apart. Though her natural lifespan is look at twenty years, she has likely not reached her fourth. What —Really Happens… …to beef cattle? …to dairy cattle? Soon after birth, male cattle have their Many of us used to believe that cattle on testicles removed without anesthetic. dairy farms lead a pretty good life. In Most are dehorned. Then the horn buds r- are cut out or burned (with chemicals or ther from the truth. Like beef cattle, hot irons) deep into their skull socket so healthytoday’s factoriesanimals are nothing injected could and be fed fu as not to grow back, through nerve tis- with antibiotics to keep them from get- sue without anesthetics. Most are then ting sick. According to the Union of Con- given a few months of freedom to do cerned Scientists, up to 70% of antibiot- what cattle do, forage for food. Then ics administered in this country are ad- they are rounded up and transported on ministered to farmed animals. Howev- trucks to feedlots. Standing cheek-to- er, less than 25% of these antibiotics are jowl with other cows, standing in their fully digested; the rest pass through the own manure for months, sickness can body into the environment, where they run rampant, so antibiotics are a staple can create resistant strains of bacteria. of their artificial diet. While r Nonetheless, many cows contract masti- stomachs evolved to digest grass, the tis, a painful inflammatory condition of cows are instead fed a corn/grainuminants’ mix the teats and udder. usually laced with recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (banned since 2000 in Like any mammal, a cow must be im- Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and pregnated in order to give milk. Calves most of Europe), all to achieve rapid that are female are impregnated within weight gain, since they will be sold by a year so they can be put into milk pro- the pound. duction. They are forcibly impregnated about once each year. After she gives After a few months in the feedlot, birth, her calf is taken from her. Distress the cattle are transported by truck once at being separated from her calf is more, this time to slaughter, often over common. Mother cows will bellow for long hauls and in freezing conditions. hours, even days, for their missing calf. When cattle are forced into the chute to As Michael Klaper M.D. recalls: "The walk toward their death, hearing and very saddest sound in all my memory smelling what is happening in front of was burned into my awareness at age them, handlers shock them with prods five on my uncle's dairy farm in Wiscon- in sensitive areas (eye, rectum, etc.) to sin. A cow had given birth to a beautiful get them moving. Most are then stunned male calf...On the second day after birth, with a bolt to the head, though some are my uncle took the calf from the mother left conscious as machines hoist them and placed him in the veal pen in the barn only ten yards away, in plain

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 13 view of his mother. The mother cow could see her infant, smell him, hear head is placed in an apparatus that him, but could not touch him, comfort shearsage. Without half the anesthesia, beak off. The the bladechick’s of ten him, or nurse him. The heartrending slices through nerve tissue; some chicks bellows that she poured forth minute develop neuromas, and some die from after minute, hour after hour, for five the experience. long days were excruciating— to listen to. They are the most poignant and Since male chicks cannot produce painful auditory— memories I carry in eggs, and cost-effectiveness the primary my brain." industry concern, they are almost always discarded quickly. While some But what about males? A dairy farm producers toss them into garbage bags needs only a few. Male dairy calves are and throw them away alive, others most often put into veal crates so small grind up the males alive and feed them they cannot turn around, heads chained to their sisters. so they cannot move, in order to keep the flesh supple. They are given an io- Creative labeling by corporations dine-free drink so the flesh of their and local farms has misled many into muscles will be the milky color pre- thinking their choice of eggs is humane ferred. They are killed after several or environmentally sound. Labels such months.

After several impregnation and thisas “cage time, free”, and generally“natural”, haveand “freelittle to do withrange” the are most not inhumanemeaningfully practices regulated in at egg production. anmilking average cycles, of five a cow’s years, milk dairy production cows are replacedtypically drops.with younger Considered females “spent” and after …to pigs? ground up and sold as hamburger. Pigs are some of the most intelligent and social animals we slaughter. Fe- …to chickens? males are forcibly impregnated every Chickens may be the most abused of all five or six months. For most of her life, a s- n- animalsnot stretch raised her forwings, food. will A “battery house six or turntypical around, mother slick pig with is confined her excrement to a “ge cage,”seven crammedso small that together one caged for their hen entireca andtation urine crate,” in the not bottom. large enough Many developfor her to lives. The cages are stacked one upon chronic, painful urinary tract infections. another and have wire floors. The ex- For birth, she is driven to the even crement from above falls onto those chickens below. offspring must suckle between the bars ofsmaller her cage. “farrowing Piglets spendcrate,” only where two her or Chickens are social animals. Their three weeks with their mother until pecking order is very important. In the they are taken away for meat produc- unnatural confinement of cages, chick- tion. Many sows never see daylight until ens will sometimes peck their the day they are transported to slaugh- cagemates to death. To prevent this, terhouses. producers "debeak" chickens a young

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The slaughter of pigs is, as one may pain when hooked in the mouth, so even imagine, no more humane than the catch-and-release angling is not hu- slaughter of other animals. Many are mane. But its harms pale in comparison stunned before they are hoisted up by to the commercial fishing industry, one leg to have their throat slit, but which uses football-field sized factory some are conscious throughout the pro- e- cess. Some are even alive when dipped into a vat used to scald the hair off their shipsvirtually and everything “drift nets” they miles encounter long to d as bodies. Slaughtered pigs typically have theyplete drag our oceans.through Today’s water or nets along pick the up not reached their first birthday. sea bottom this means both target fish

…to sheep? on deck for— sorting, where they suffo- Workers are commonly paid for the andcate “bycatch.”to death. Sea Target animals fish areconsidered brought number of sheep they shear, incentiviz- ing rushed handling. A common practice the nets and poor treatment aboard called mulesing removes folds of skin on ship“bycatch” that they are oftendie by so the damaged thousands from as the backside of sheep, as these folds re- well. tain excrement and attract flies. The large folds of skin are cut off by shears, Farmed fish live in such crowded with no anesthesia. In July 2009, repre- conditions that producers must give sentatives of the Australian wool indus- them large doses of antibiotics in their try reneged on their 2004 promise to food so they might live long enough to phase out the mulesing in Australia be- be killed. Large concentrations of fore 2011. farmed fish in natural bodies of water cause habitat degradation. Sheep are often given an electric shock at their temples to stun them for ....to animals in zoos or circuses? slaughter. Some lambs wake up as their Circus animals experience a range of throats are cut, and others regain con- situations that impact their health and sciousness as they are bleeding to flourishing, including consistent con- death. finement, long hours of transportation stress, and training that targets behav- …to animals used for fur? ior not consistent with the species' evo- Most animals used for fur are born in lutionary physiology, ecology, and biol- captivity and know no life other than ogy. Furthermore, the training can rely the inside of a cage. To avoid damage to on punishment, and not positive rein- their coat during slaughter, most are forcement. From 1994to 2005, 31 circus electrocuted. Their mouth is forced onto elephants died from inhumane condi- a metal plate, or an electric rod is forced tions. Humans too suffer: since 1990 into their rectum for anal electrocution. there have been 12 deaths related to Some must be shocked multiple times is circus elephants and 123 cases of lion order to death to occur. attacks.

…to fish? Zoos too confine animals and provide Whatever our parents may have taught them habitats that are not suitable to us, ichthyologists agree that fish feel their species needs. Evidence of this is

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 15 seen in behavioral abnormalities such chimpanzees, and birds are used in as the stereotypic behavior of repetitive shows, exhibiting behavior and condi- body movements and pacing. In addi- tions not conducive to their natural tion, animals can inflict harm on others state. or themselves, including excessive lick- ing and feather picking. Of the 2,400 an- ....to animals used in research? imal exhibitors licensed by the Depart- The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is the ment of Agriculture, fewer than 10 per- only federal law in the United States cent meet American Zoos and Aquari- that regulates the treatment of animals ums Association standards. The benefit in research, exhibition, transport and by of zoos for conservation and education dealers. It excludes, among others, is controversial, especially given the birds, rats of the genus Rattus, and mice harm animals experience. of the genus Mus, bred for use in research. This means that the research ....to wildlife? industry can subject birds, rats and Hunted for trophies, food, and skins, mice, which make up about 95% of the wild animals suffer physical and mental million laboratory animals, to proce- injury and stress. Wild animals also ex- dures and conditions that would be ille- perience diminished flourishing and gal for animals that are covered. In the stress through loss of biodiversity, ex- United States, some 13 million research posure to human habitations, climate animals are used every year, often un- change, and extinction. Illegal wildlife dergoing procedures that result in pain trade is at an all time high, such as kill- (43% of animals used in research expe- ing elephants for their tusks or remov- rience painful procedures). The benefit ing parrot chicks from their nests and of many of these experiments is of con- families for pets. troversial value.

....to animals used in entertainment ....to companion animals? and sports? Companion animals, though often more Multiple animal species are harmed in a highly valued and cared for than other variety of sporting events and enter- species, are not immune from cruelty tainment. Most noted are cast off grey and abuse. Animals entering the pet hounds and horses that do not make the trade may have been raised in puppy "grade" for racing or whom are harmed mill situations where adults receive in- during training and racing. Horses are adequate care and housing, and females given drugs to mask their sickness and give birth too frequently for their injuries, resulting in further injury, frac- health. Many medical conditions are the tures, and euthanasia. Providing gam- result of inbreeding, such as hip dyspla- bling and entertainment opportunities sia and cancer, or breed specific diseas- for humans, animals are pitted against es, such as facial deformities that cause one another including dogs and roost- eye and respiratory disease (such as in ers. In rodeos, electric prods, spurs, and bulldogs). Animals are also abandoned, bucking straps are used to irritate and struggling to survive in feral conditions enrage the animals. Animals are also se- or inadequate shelters and hoarding verely injured and killed in rodeos. situations. In recent years the euthana- Whales and other marine mammals, sia rates have fallen, but in the U.S. ap-

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 16 proximately 3 million to 4 million dogs In addition, overgrazing of lands and cats are euthanized every year. causes erosion. It takes about a century to rebuild an inch of topsoil. As human populations grow, rangeland shrinks, ….to your health? increasing the predicament. Many medical professionals argue that eating animals at levels common in the Additional information about most of United States is a leading cause of poor these topics can be found in the Ethical health of our population. Cholesterol Eating: Food and Environmental Justice levels are often much higher on an ani- Resource Guide (see Appendix A). mal-based diet. Incidences of stroke, heart attack and disease, the most An Issue of Faith is an Issue of common cancers (breast, colon, pros- Justice tate) increase substantially for populations who consume animals and animal “The greatness of a nation and its moral products. On average, those who follow progress can be judged by the way its an- a plant-based diet enjoy better health imals are treated” ~ Mahatma Gandhi and longer lives. “Animals are living souls. They are not …to the people involved? things. They are not objects. Neither are The people working in slaughterhouses they human. Yet they mourn. They love. and animal industries are affected by They dance. They suffer. They know their labors both physically and psycho- the peaks and chasms of being … In a logically. Most industrial animal set- wonderful and inexpressible way, there- tings, including factory farms, experi- fore, God is present in all creatures.” ~ ence unusually high turnover. The Rev. Gary Kowalski worker injury rate is among the highest of all industries in the United States, and “One sort of love does not need to block higher rates of domestic violence and another, because love, like compassion, is alcohol and drug abuse are reported in not a rare fluid to be economized, but a this population. capacity which grows by use.” ~Mary Midgley …to the planet? The Food and Agriculture Organization Kindness and compassion towards all liv- attributes 18% of greenhouse gas emis- ing beings is a mark of a civilized society. sions to animal agriculture. Other or- Racism, economic deprival, dog fighting ganizations, such as Worldwatch Insti- and cock fighting, bullfighting and rode- tute, have put that number significantly os are all cut from the same defective higher. All parties agree that animal ag- fabric: violence. Only when we have be- riculture contributes more to climate come nonviolent towards all life will we change than all forms of transportation have learned to live well ourselves. ~ Ce- combined. Switching to a plant-based sar Chavez diet does more to mitigate climate change than would switching from an SUV to a hybrid car. across the globe are suffering, why Many ask, “When so many humans

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 17 should we be concerned with animals? mans have the responsibility, not only Why is the suffering of animals an issue to respect the needs and the feelings of animals, but also to treat them with compassion. Judaism recognizes for Unitarian Western attitudesUniversalists?” about non-human that animals feel pain, sorrow, and animals evolved primarily from pro- are prohibited from inflicting pain foundly human-centered Jewish and upon them. (Pity for the Living) Christian sources. Organizers within these traditions often base their work Andrew Linzey, Anglican priest and on Biblical ideas of dominion and stew- o- ardship concepts used just as readily logians, moves beyond the issue of to justify animal exploitation. Steward- one of the world’s leading animal the ship and— dominion imply a hierarchy in inherent worth that all animals possess. which God has placed humans above In“stewardship” an interview, of he animals stated, to "All describe the stuff the other animals: we are to treat other an- about animals not having language, not imals well as we go about using them having rational souls, not having cul- for our own purposes. ture, not being persons all of these are

In his bestselling science- and faith- creatures have value whether— we find based book Dominion: The Power of thhumanem cuddly, constructions…In affectionate, God's beautiful eyes, or all Man, the Suffering of Animals and the otherwise." Call to Mercy, Roman Catholic Matthew Scully proposes our treatment of animals as a measure of our humanity. He about food acquisition speak to com- argues that some practices, such as passionSeveral for animalsof Mohammed’s in his own teachings context, whaling and factory farming, are in- e- compatible with the biblical concepts of scribe animals as members of the com- stewardship and munityand both and the the Qur’an family and of HadithAllah. d book and others like it are prompting an increasing numberdominion. of mainline Scully’s Chris- Eastern religions have as many di- tians to reexamine their responsibility verse traditions within them as Western to other creatures, given new awareness religions, yet most explicitly recognize of the depth and scope of animal suffering. Hinduism describes a kinship among all formsand honor of life animals’ and calls inherent humans worth. to accept Judaism also harbors voices that moral responsibility for that relation- speak of human responsibility for other ship. Hindu texts describe all creation as animals. In many instances, texts and sacred, and warn adherents to avoid teachings accord animals the same sen- cruelty to any being. Jains refrain from sitivity as human beings. As a Jewish au- killing any living being, by wearing thor writes of the Hebrew phrase tsa’ar masks to reduce death to inhaled in- ba-alei chayim sects and stepping over worms in the rain. Jews are called, ‘pain to ofrecognize living things’: that a n- imals are just as much creatures of Both Hindu and Buddhist traditions God as is humankind; and that hu- promote ahimsa, the avoidance of vio-

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 18 lence toward any sentient life form. accept our intimate connection with all Buddhists have known for millennia beings we will begin to end exploitation, that animals are conscious, sentient be- violence, war, racism, hatred, and op- ings, capable of suffering pain. Most pression. The ethical treatment of ani- Eastern Buddhists practice or strive for mals is a natural and inevitable part of vegetarianism based on this principle...as do some Western Buddhists. acting Our from Unitarian a place Universalist of compassion.” faith Neo-paganism and other earth- binds us together through covenant, not based spiritualities also encourage ad- creed. No scripture or doctrine can herents to seek harmony with all life. compel us to agree that domination is Pagans believe that all beings have souls the one way to live in right relationship of inherent value, and all life is spiritual- with the world and its creatures. Our ly interconnected. Therefore, pagans faith asks us to weave our own tapestry seek to walk gently on the earth, caring of beliefs and practices. We seek truth for the planet as one would care for and find faith to confront oppression, to work for justice, to practice peace, and to live with compassion. one’sAn own increasing beloved number mother. of people from diverse religious perspectives find Ours is an evolutionary faith. UUs that their work for peace and justice boldly examine and re-examine their leads them directly to work for non- own beliefs and actions, always seeking violence and compassion for all beings. better ways to live in right relationship For example, some Quakers (members with all. As we embrace new science, of the Religious Society of Friends) hone our ethical questions and answers, practice vegetarianism or veganism as a deepen in empathy, and discover better reflection of the Peace Testimony. Many ways of living, we adjust our views and peace activists, including Alice Walker, actions, encountering a renewed sense Coretta Scott King, Dexter Scott King, of the meaning of life. Cesar Chavez, Dick Gregory, Thich Nhat Hanh, Mahatma Gandhi and Father John Unitarian Universalists covenant to Dear, have opposed the oppression or be part of a marvelous, challenging life- killing of animals as a way to bring us time search for truth and for purpose. one step closer to a peaceful world. Our faith, historically and today, stands against injustice, oppression, and cruel- The Rev. Peter Morales, president of ty. Unitarian Universalists led (and lead) the Unitarian Universalist Association, the way to justice for all humans to has called awareness of our connection end slavery, to extend civil rights beyond the white male and legal marriage— beyond heterosexual couples, and es- treatmentto all life and of animalsthe universe as an a issue “pillar of offaith, tablish rights for all workers. hespiritual makes maturity.” this connect Describing humane I would want to encourage compassion Now is the time to expand the Uni- and awareness of interconnectednession: “As president in tarian Universalist vision of a better every aspect of our lives. When we truly world to include other beings. Like learn to suffer with other creatures and countless times years past, our faith

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 19 calls us to step beyond our inherited enacted the animal anticruelty laws he had championed, Bergh joined forces other species are on earth for the use of with lawyer Gerry Elbridge to craft the Homoview…in sapiens this case,. that the view that first anti-cruelty laws addressing abuse and neglect of children. Our Unitarian Universalist second source guides us to look to "the words Unitarian Universalists, clergy and and deeds of prophetic women and men laity, call upon our denomination to ex- which challenge us to confront powers tend our principles of inherent worth and structures of evil with justice, com- and dignity and justice, equity and compassion, and the transforming power of passion to our relationships with other love." sentient beings who also possess an intrinsic value, who are vital to the inter- Henry Bergh, Unitarian and founder dependent web of existence and who of the American Society for the Preven- deserve to live full lives without cruelty tion of Cruelty to Animals [ASPCA]) and without abuse. (1866), was one such prophetic man. Recognizing the infinite nature of com- Rev. LoraKim Joyner, avian veteri- passion and the human ability to extend narian and Unitarian Universalist minis- it to suffering humans and animals, ter, describes the marvel of human life Bergh held that mercy to animals awak- but cautions: ens the human conscience and leads to greater mercy for our fellow humans. We are not separate from life. We are Animal justice advocate Diane Beers de- neither less nor more than other spe- scribes how he viewed the human rela- cies. But underneath there is a great- tionship with other animals when he er truth, we are not alone and hence founded the ASPCA: we evolved out of the beauty that is our web of life, to care compassion- As his voice filled the hall that Febru- ately for those we understand, and ary night, it became clear that his hence come to love. I have ultimate pleas for animals arose not from any faith that we as a species are capable sentimental attachment to them but of so much more than the terrible rather from the moral teachings of handling of exotic animals in the an- his religion, Unitarianism. Through- imal trade. If we could just see our out his life, he demonstrated no per- beauty, understand one another and sonal affection toward those species other species, then out of that empa- he championed, and he never shared thetic embrace, we would seize the his house with any companion ani- day, and not capture the beauty that mals…. For Henry Bergh, the ethical was born in freedom and lives in our recognition of nonhumans involved hearts. no emotion, no complex theories, and no extraordinary intellect. It was a The chair of the Ethical Eating: Food moral struggle between right and and Environmental Justice Congrega- wrong. tional Study Action Issue for 2008 2012, Rev. John Gibb Millspaugh moves A few years after the government this discussion deeper when he writes,–

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Unitarian Universalists as a body As a minister, I'm all too aware passed in 2010 the Statement of that current procedures in slaughter- Conscience, Ethical Eating: Food houses and factory farms are out of and Environmental Justice. step with society's desire that animals be treated humanely, for their sake Unitarian Universalists aspire to radical and for ours... To believe in creation- hospitality and developing the beloved ism or evolution is to believe that an- community. Therefore, we affirm that the imals and humans come from the natural world exists not for the sole bene- same source and are literally kin— fit of one nation, one race, one gender, that is to say, family. To believe that one religion, or even one species, but for meat-eating is an archaic practice all. Working in the defense of mutual in- that should be left in the past, or to terests, Unitarian Universalists believe that meat-eating is natural acknowledge and accept the challenge of and should be treated as such, is to enlarging our circle of moral concern to take a moral stance against the include all living creatures. mechanized, systemic abuse of animals in modern animal agriculture. In a sermon selected for the Albert Schweitzer Reverence for Life Sermon Whether we believe that God has Award in 2006, Rev. Beth Johnson and a plan for humanity, or that spiritual- current President of UUAM wrote, ity has more to do with actions than beliefs, or that we are on our own to It is time that we, as a species, make way in this universe, we must begin to act on behalf of nonhuman grow to understand the special re- life, to account for the suffering of sponsibility these beliefs place on us: other beings, and I would call us, as to build a more decent society. Unitarian Universalists, to take our place, no, I call us to lead the way, Spiritually eclectic Unitarian Univer- among those who call for reverence salist author Norm Phelps posits: for life, for the taking of life sparingly and with compassion, and for the Neither Judaism nor Christianity can dismantling of the systems that sup- be true to its core teaching, its Prime port the disregard for the suffering of Directive of universal love and com- animals and the denigration of the passion, until nonhuman animals are Earth. How we decide to live matters welcomed into the circle of their pro- – to other beings, to the web of life. tection….Animal exploitation is the This web of life is challenging and most entrenched form of injustice rewarding, beautiful and tragic, ten- that our planet has ever seen. Every der and terrible. Entering into con- human society from prehistory to the versation with the web of life means present has been founded on and that we will be open to possibilities of maintained by animal enslavement relationship that are at once demand- and murder. It will take generations ing and stunning. to overcome. We are the only hope that animals have. Now is the time for Unitarian Uni- versalists to lead the way and call for

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our circles of compassion and celebrate the“Reverence worth and for dignity Life.” We of allmust beings. extend Our consciences tell us - and we know in our hearts - that now is the time to right some of the wrongs we have allowed to persist wrongs done other animals. We have the tools to do this. We can lead the– way and, by our actions, help bring an end to unnecessary suffering.

What is most hopeful is that Unitarian Uni- versalists can be leaders in thinking differ- ently. We have a history of doing this. We changed our thoughts with regard to slavery and racial issues early. We changed our early. We supported and advocated for the Gay,thoughts Lesbian, of women’s Bisexual, rights and Transgenderand ordination community early. Unitarian Universalists have witnessed injustice and participated in changing hearts and minds in the past. And, needless to say, not everybody agreed ini- tially. But a voice has to rise in order to be heard. We can do something very similar with animal advocacy. ~ Rev. Dr. Russell Elleven

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The Reverence for Life Program - A Pathway of Commitments

The realization that how we treat animals is an ethical issue grows out of this spirituality of compassion and awareness of connection. There is no reason compassion should stop at human beings. Our sense of connection must go beyond the human as well. Of course we should be concerned with the treatment of animals. This is a spiritual and religious issue. ~ The Rev. Peter Morales, President of the Unitarian Universalist Asso- ciation

The Reverence for Life program emerged mental to the Reverence for Life pro- in response to calls from justice-seeking gram, which places love at the center of Unitarian Universalists to stretch our this journey. m- brace all beings. Complementing other Many will use the guide to develop a programmingfaith’s vision of for love adults, and justiceyouth, toand e multispecies ethic. Others will embrace children, it can be used to stimulate dis- it as one in a series of steps to end op- cussion and growth in congregations pression entirely. Some will desire to and individuals, offering new ways to grow their faith and spiritual relation- experience Unitarian Universalism. ship with all life, including the members Congregations may choose to use it a of their congregation. As participants springboard to develop policies and engage the program, they: practices that revere all life.  enter into deep, honest, and caring conversations that build con- The Reverence for Life program sug- nections, expand relationships, gests specific activities and projects to and develop trust. guide Unitarian Universalists as we  build strong individual and col- deepen our understanding of one of the lective foundations for multi- most urgent moral and faith issues of species ethics, gaining tools to our time, our relationship, as human an- align their interspecies relation- imals, with nonhuman animals. Unitari- ships with their values. an  discover new paths to spiritual engagement with our world is funda- growth and Unitarian Universal- Universalists’ commitment to honest

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ist faith development, drawing from many sources to deepen Resources include: understandings of justice, inclu-  This Reverence for Life program sivity, interdependence, peace- guide making, and the nature of love.   increase awareness of the inherent worth and dignity of all be-  The optional“Seeking MultispeciesCircles Sessions En- ings. counterGuide” Experience  The support of the Reverence for Partic Life Team congregational shifts as well:  Formalipants’ and faith informal journeys discussions lead to Some congregations that complete throughout the congregation the program will choose to continue as about how our connections with centers for animal compassion: provid- other species relate to our spirit- ing education, offering celebrations, and uality and our ethical convic- supporting activism. The diagram will tions. help you visualize the Reverence for Life  Activities providing experiences program and certification process. across species lines, leading to deep reflection about the beauty Theologian, philosopher, and Nobel and challenge of living in a multi- Peace Prize recipient Albert Schweitzer species world.  Resources that support congre- creatures, we enter into spiritual rela- gations and individuals as they wrote, “By ethical conduct toward Widening all n- the circles of compassion may be easy terdependent web of all exist- fortionship some withand challengingthe universe.” for others. We move from celebratingffirming the “i embark on the journey buoyed by the compassion, respect, and inter- dynamism of our faith, our passion for dependenceence” to practices in their a everyday justice, our commitment to peacemak- spiritual, personal, social, economic and political lives. ing, and our power to reduce suffering.” Establish a Reverence for Life Team  Follow the procedure that your con- and Hold a First Meeting gregation uses to form new groups.  Look for others in your congregation Meet with the minister(s), board of who will companion one another trustees, president, social justice while investigating a congregation's chair, program council chair, or any role in multispecies ministry. others, and ask them what you need  Generally a core group of five people to consider while undertaking this will be most effective for initial beginning ministry. Also ask them planning. Look for people with com- what they need from you so they can passionate hearts, open minds, support your program. knowledge of congregational life,  Talk with groups within the congre- and respect within the community. gation about interests and alliances. The Religious Education program,

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Green Sanctuary (or other environ- animal ministry or project mental group), social justice group, within the congregation? CUUPs, Buddhist Unitarian Univer- What does their dream of the salists and others may be eager to be beloved community of all part of this effort. beings look like?  Advertise within the congregation Write up what you hear on that you are forming a Reverence for newsprint for all to see Life Team. Review/Background  Plan an organizational meeting of all Have leaders share what has those interested. Personally invite been done so far those you think will be interested, Share materials of the program recognizing that their passion and with explanations perspective may differ from yours. Solicit questions, concerns, The faith and justice issues of multi- and comments species relationships are profound Next Steps and nearly infinite. A diverse team Solicit ideas for specific next will emphasize the breadth of the is- steps/projects - this is sue attracting broader support. just making a list without  Before the meeting, spend time a group decision process thinking about the results you want to limit ideas from your first gathering. Let people See if there is enough interest to know your goals in advance, and if continue with the Rever possible, get coaching on how to ence for Life program hold a meeting. Ask participants to Whether the group decides to go review online materials before the forward with this pro first meeting, by clicking the Rever- gram or another plan, de ence for Life link at www.uua.org. cide on concrete actions  We humbly suggest this as a basic by specific people agenda for the meeting: Get a list of those willing to be on the Reverence for Life Chalice lighting Team Welcome Set a date for this Team to meet Everyone introduce themselves and take the first Rever Intention of meeting and agenda ence for Life class, "Rev shared erence for Life: Transf Check-in/sharing orming Our Beliefs into Have everyone in circle or in Practice." This could hap pairs share about their most pen as part of the next meaningful relationships with meeting date. other species and their most pas Set another meeting date to see sionate transspecies justice issue how thoughts and feelings Visioning may have changed, to What would people like to see share new information, happen in regards to an and to organize further. Look at the draft forms (Appen

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dix c) - Multispecies Com bers, your congregation to submit an- petency Worksheet and nual dues or become a UUAM Chapter, Multispecies Attitude or make a one-time donation. UUAM is a Worksheet and decide 501c(3) organization and our work is how to use these forms as made possible by the generous dona- a guide for discussion and tions of groups and individuals such as to guide the learning of yourself. Thank you! You can find the this group. We suggest membership application online at: not doing this during the http://www.uuam.org/docs/UUAMbroc first organizational meet hure.pdf ing, but shortly thereafter. Remember that these are Take the First Online Course draft forms and that we would like your feedback There is a prerecorded course available on the forms and to here for your RFL Team to take at this time. of your experience. You can find it on the UUAM website - Reference for Life: Transforming Belief Check-out into Practice. This course will help your What are people taking with team know if they wish to go further in- them? Celebrations? Concerns? to the program. They will also hopefully Chalice extinguishing gather important information and inspirational messages. You may also ask for  After the meeting, let congrega- a "live webinar," especially for your tional leaders know the results congregation. Also, this webinar will be and plans of this first meeting. offered "live" at various times. Check Ask for their advice and support the UUAM website for future dates.

Fill Out an Application of Intent Form Offer Seeking Circle Sessions After this meeting and having decided The Seeking Circle Sessions Guide is that you have enough interest and de- available for you online at the UUAM sire, contact UUAM. Specifically: make website. These circles are a form of contact with the Reverence for Life Co- small group ministry (covenant groups) ordinator and fill out the "Application of and are designed to build trust and rela- Intent" (see Appendix C). The Coordina- tionships for your growing ministry. tor will then inform UUAM's Reverence Participants discover and express their for Life Team and insure that someone beliefs and thoughts in a non- is in contact with you throughout this judgmental and supportive environ- process. You may of course contact the ment. The sessions also help guide de- RFL Coordinator well before this step termination of action steps. Seeking Cir- for guidance or support. cles also provide a means to increase congregational involvement in the Rev- Once you have filled out this Application erence for Life program during the early of Intent you are officially in the RFL stages. We recommend that you adver- Program. There is no cost to do so, how- tise heavily for these sessions and invite ever, we invite you to ask your RFL everyone, as the circles are intended for Team members to become UUAM mem- those not just on the RFL Team.

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requirement if you decide to embark on This guide provides eight thought- Reverence for Life certification. In addi- provoking sessions, progressing in focus tion we strongly encourage inviting from the individual to the congregation members of the congregation, as well as and the larger community. They en- community members. You can use this courage thoughtful exploration and de- online course as an outreach effort to velopment of multispecies ethics support your community and their or- grounded in faith and reason. ganizations. You may also ask for a "live webinar," especially for your congrega- Determine Course of Action tion. Also, this webinar will be offered After completing the Seeking Circle Ses- "live" at various times. Check the UUAM sions, hold a meeting for the newly ex- website for future dates. panded RFL Team to identify their major goals, which may include one or The online course encompasses six ses- more of the following outcomes: sions, roughly an hour long (the first 1. Develop an action plan to bring issues session is nearly 1.5 hours). Actual time of transspecies and relationships be- for each session will be longer as we en- fore the greater congregation. (see courage pausing the recording and en- Activities below) gaging in discussion and the various ac- 2. Establish a Unitarian Universalist An- tivities. You can find it on the UUAM imal Ministry chapter in the congre- website - Connecting Our Hearts to All gation (see Chapter below) Life: Compassionate relationships, care, 3. Participate in the Reverence for Life and advocacy. During this interactive Program leading to congregational course, participants will gain tools in Covenant or Certification. how to deepen their transspecies rela- 4. If none of these are possible, individ- tionships and to care for themselves and uals may choose to enter the pro- others. gram on their own. We generally discourage this choice as we have Inform the RFL Coordinator when you great power and faith development have taken this course, and the names of in a community setting. However people who attended (we offer a certifi- some congregations may not be cate). large enough to accommodate a formal animal ministry at this time, Optional: Offer a Reverence for Life and some individuals may belong to Workshop the Church of the Larger Fellowship, This weekend event celebrates and af- or may not even be a member of any firms interspecies connections, focusing Unitarian Universalist congregation. on understanding, embracing, and car- The individual program is open to ing for our interspecies connections. Us- non UU members of congregations. ing an interactive format, the workshop (see Reverencer below)  Provides a safe and fertile environment for sharing, reflecting, and Take the Second Online Course deepening. If you have decided to become a UUAM  Builds trust and relationships Chapter this course is optional, but among participants; highly recommended. This course is a

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 Strengthens the use and under- your ministry within and outside standing of covenants within a con- your congregation. gregation; 2. If your goals are in line with  Deepens spirituality and UU faith UUAM's, then you may begin the development in a multispecies con- steps to form a chapter. text; 3. You need to begin with having  Assists congregations in mourning two or more UUAM members interspecies harm, healing past within the chapter. wounds, holding the complexity of a multispecies world, and planning Hold a meeting inviting receive di- next steps. rect and ample guidance for their RFL  Gives congregations an opportunity or Animal Ministry Team. to provide service to other congregations as well as to the larger Contact the RFL Coordinator for fur- community, as these weekends can ther information and if are interested in be adapted to go beyond the congre- having this experience at your congregational level. gation.

Led by facilitators who model multi- Becoming a UUAM Chapter species and multicultural ethics, the workshop features group discussion, Chapters work to promote compassion didactics, multimedia presentations for all species at the local level. In re- (videos, music, and slideshows) and ac- turn, by being a chapter your leadership tivities. Congregations meet the expens- is prominently displayed on our UUAM es of the facilitator(s) such as travel, and webpage where people can find you, as also provide an honorarium to be de- well as other UUAM chapters and con- termined between the facilitator and gregations. Also as a chapter your lead- the RFL Team in the congregation. ership and experience matters in what we do as UUAM, and what happens in The full workshop consists of ap- the greater association of congrega- proximately five hours on Saturday fol- tions. By being a chapter you know that lowed by a worship service on Sunday. you are part of something larger and Optional Friday night and Saturday can give and receive to other chapters evening events, such as movies and lec- and congregations; we are stronger to- tures, can also be offered. After these gether than alone. experiences, congregations and individuals find themselves better able to care There are many ways to form a for the human spirit their own and UUAM chapter. Contact the UUAM while healing earth's multi- Board Chapter Liaison if you have ques- species communities.— Furthermore they tions or would like support and guid- others’— ance. Here are the basic steps and re- 1. the UUAM website and the list of quirements: activities/goals for chapters below and see if they are part of 1. Review other members within the congregation, perhaps cou- pled with an activity such as a

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meal, outing, or discussion (such as the contact person), group. with updates for our website, 2. Determine that you have a minis- and with a brief summary of try as a small group within your your activities. congregation. Work with your leaders, staff, and ministers as to UUAM Activities/Goals the proper protocol for organizing groups within your congrega- To support individual and tion. congregational exploration and 3. Take the online course, "Rever- deepening of UU faith as it con- ence for Life: Transforming Be- cerns the understanding of hu- lief into Practice." mans in communities of mixed 4. Decide whether to take the se- species, and our response to this cond online course, "Connecting understanding; Our Hearts to All Life." 5. Decide on a name for yourself To encourage and support UU (we suggest calling yourself the ministers, lay leaders, and con- "UUAM Chapter of "such and gregants to open a dialogue such a congregation"). However about this challenging moral and you may pick any name you religious issue; choose, and perhaps have the UUAM chapter as part of your se- To inform UUs and other peo- cond line. ple of conscience about the 6. Decide on a vision/goal for your widespread abuse of animals; group. 7. Contact UUAM Board Chapter Li- To incorporate humane educa- aison with your intention to be a tion materials and attitudes into chapter with your history to our religious education pro- date, name, goal/visions, and grams at all age levels; contact person. 8. After the UUAM Board approves To encourage UU ministers to you as a chapter, finalize your deliver sermons on animal rights membership by submitting the $100 issues and to develop services on dues via this online form: animals during the yearly calen- http://www.uuam.org/joinuuam.ph dar; p. 9. Congratulate yourself on becom- To develop and support social ing a chapter and bringing about action programs to implement the change you wish in the our goals of justice and compas- world. sion for all creatures; 10. UUAM chapters are self- organizing and autonomous. We To work, along with other do ask however for that you re- people of humane and compas- port to the UUAM Board Chapter sionate beliefs, toward the exclu- Liaison on a yearly basis with sion of cruel, wasteful and repeti- any changes in your organization tive testing of commercial prod-

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ucts; duplicative, unnecessary, invited to enter into a covenant with wasteful and even frivolous bio- one another (see below). This congrega- medical research using animals; tional covenant entails important work the widespread abuse of "food" and will constitute a spiritual milestone animals on factory farms and in for your faith community. As a commu- transit to slaughter, the destruc- nity, you believe that now is the time to tion of fur-bearing animals for embark upon this journey. profit; "sport hunting", and events which mistreat animals After creating the right conditions in for entertainment; the congregation (meetings for information and learning, discussions with To encourage UUs and others leaders on how to proceed, etc) draft a to explore and adopt a more hu- covenant that will be presented to the mane lifestyle, focusing on ethi- congregation. Ask your leaders as to the cal consumerism, vegetarianism correct process for having the congrega- and veganism, the use of cruelty- tion covenant as a whole. If you feel that free products and the develop- the whole congregation is not ready for ment of alternatives to the use of this step, or if the covenanting process animals in research and products falters along the way, a smaller subset testing. of the congregation may enter into covenant with one another (such as the So- Craft a Congregational Action Plan cial Justice Committee, the RFL Team, for Covenanting or Certification the UUAM Chapter, the Buddhist group, Now is the time to engage the entire the Green Sanctuary, or just a group of congregation if your RFL Team is con- people). Coordinate with your congre- sidering either covenanting and certifi- gational leaders as to your intentions cation. The last sessions of the Seeking and actions in this regard. Circles, especially number seven, offers a path to bring dialogue about multi- With whomever the covenant in- species ethics into the conversation of cludes, you may use this language (or the greater congregation. The most sig- something similar and more specific to nificant decision to make at this point is your congregation): whether the team will work for a congregational Reverence for Life Covenant We agree to give love a central or for certification as a Reverence for place in our work together so that we Life Congregation. That is, they can ei- may nourish one another and heal ther: the world, which comprises so many species. Growing our skills and ca- Become a Reverence for Life Cove- pacity for compassion, we seek to nanted Congregation. deepen our reverence of and commitment to all life, including all indi- This is a step where the RFL Team has a viduals of all species. general sense that the congregation wishes to become a Reverence for Life We further undertake to Covenanted Congregation. This means strengthen our commitments to prac- all members of the congregation will be tices that grow our faith, to actions

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that support our multispecies com-  Is there a process to be followed? In munities, and to compassionate some congregations an announce- communication. ment that a group was moving forward with an initiative might be all We will communicate with truth, it takes to be an official congrega- compassion and respect, being gentle tional group. In others, the Board of and forgiving with others, and with Trustees, church administrator ourselves. and/or the Minister may need to be consulted first. We enter into this covenant with  How will the group communicate one another, as members of this con- with the congregation? Will it use gregation, this ___ day of ______, the the congregational newsletter, web- year of _____. site, education area, information ta- bles, email or order of service an- A team working towards the cove- nouncements? nant is encouraged to engage in several  What obstacles do you anticipate? of the activities and actions described How might they be avoided or min- below, as a way to move the congrega- imized? e-  How will you document your progress? Well-kept notes about your moretion toward ideas about the covenant. possible Seeactivities the “R and activities, including participants and actions,source” sectionas well asof thisthe "ResourceManual for Packet" still their responses, will be very helpful on the UUAM website. as you assess progress. Congrega- tions that decide to seek certification Once you have a covenant in place, will need these records in the future. contact the UUAM RFL Coordinator and forward a copy of the covenant so that If you decide to proceed, craft your we may record and celebrate this Congregational Action Plan. achievement. Obtain Congregational Affirmation to Become a Reverence for Life Cer- Proceed tified Congregation. A thoughtful, carefully compiled Ac- tion Plan will jump start the Reverence Consider the following before you for Life Program in your congregation. develop your Action Plan: Your Action Plan will include these activities:  What is the character of your congregation? Its strengths and chal-  Arrange to present the plan to the lenges? Its culture? appropriate body in your congrega-  What groups in the congregation tion (leadership council, Board, so- might you look to for resources and cial justice council) for support and support (e.g. the Green Sanctuary or permission to proceed, if necessary. social justice committee, religious  Prior to the meeting, speak to repre- education, or an earth-centered spir- sentatives of the leadership body. ituality group)? Talk through the plan, ask what

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questions to anticipate, and identify ing toward the certification option areas of flexibility. should provide at least the listed num-  Contact the UUAM RFL Coordinator ber of events. These activities are a sug- for guidance as necessary. gestion - please be creative and specific  Approach the minister, if appropri- to your congregation, communities, and ate, asking for his or her assistance passions. in launching the program.  Work with other congregational  Worship, Spirituality, and Cele- groups. bration.  When approval with the proper Minimum of 2 events groups is obtained, complete your - Organize an annual Reverence for Action Plan including the required Life worship service (a separate activities below. event from any Blessing of the An- imals Service). Work with the min- Required Activities for Certification ister or the service planning committee. As eager as your group may be to adopt - Celebrate significant people or and live out a congregational covenant, dates in animal justice efforts. or achieve certification, keep in mind - Plan a festival or plant-based pot- that the primary goal of your work is to luck to celebrate making (and re- grow mutually with one another in trust newing) the covenant. and compassion so that you may be the - Organize or support an annual change you wish in the world. The hope Blessing of the Animals event. is that you along with others will affirm - Create a collection of hymns, bless- ever more powerfully that humans and ings, meditations and prayers to be all species belong on this planet. Out of used in services and events that this faith affirmation, your choices and focus on justice for all beings. actions will spread to others your sense - Invite members of your communi- of interconnecting beauty and suffering, ty on a nature walk that includes and hence change behaviors according- meditation, bird watching, jour- ly. Take all the time necessary to do naling, sharing, etc this well. - Hold mourning rituals for animals that have died or vigils for those Generally these activities guide a con- who are suffering. This helps us all gregation in growing the commitments process grief and loss. Look to Jo- that arise out of living reverence for life: anna Macy's books for these rituals. Commitment to Reality - Have a party on National Bird Day Commitment to Community or on any other memorable dates Commitment to Practice for multispecies awareness Commitment to Communication  Religious Education: Groups pursuing the covenant op- Minimum of one offering for children, tion are encouraged to offer activities one for youth, and one for adults from the list below. Those groups work- Children

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- Learn about other animal - Create a congregational recipe col- families, family names (pods, lection featuring delicious plant- herds, gaggles, etc), family based food. structure, practices (hiberna- - Host a forum featuring speakers tion, migration, etc.), and from Animal Sanctuaries, animal emotions other animals have advocacy groups, etc. (see - Provide a class exploring the lives of animals used for food, enter- - Visit “Children’sa local animal Resources” shelter or tainment, in research, etc. sanctuary.under “Resources,” below). - Form a study group investigating - Make dog biscuits for distri- the behavior and ecology of ani- bution. mals (For example, Marc Bekoff's - Youth books). - Explore labeling of food - Become more familiar with Albert products. Who decides, who Schweitzer's Reverence for Life regulates them, and what do Ethic by reading with others one of they mean? his books, or books about him. - What do our Unitarian Uni- versalist principles have to  Social Justice: say about living with other Minimum of 2 projects, one an ongoing collaborative project with an- below.) other group - Adults species? (See “Resources,” - Contact elected officials urging - Discuss what our Unitarian them to take a stand against cruel Universalist principles have industry practices such as gesta- to say about living with other tion crates, veal pens, puppy mills, species. racing, bear traps, etc. - Discuss what other faiths - Join organized boycotts against have to say about interspe- exploitive animal entertainment cies relationships. practices. - - Participate in informational ac-  Adult Exploration tions against harmful practices of Minimum of 4 activities or events the fur trade, exotic animal indus- - Take a field trip to a farmed animal try, industrialized animal agricul- (or other animal) sanctuary, or a ture or other industry. slaughterhouse. - Support an animal rescue program - Organize a food and thought dis- or farm sanctuary with volunteer cussion series. Provide thought- hour commitment. provoking readings and recipes for - Find out what type of animal re- delicious, sustainable, compas- search takes place in your state or sionate food. Share a plant-based locale. Explore conditions and reg- potluck meal followed by discus- ulations. sion. - Study the situations of wildlife in - Offer cooking classes featuring your area and commit to an activi- sustainable, humane, plant based ty to improve their well being. food. (such as a conservation project)

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- Do a fund raiser for animal or conservation groups near or far from Call for Congregational Vote to Gain your congregation. Certification

 Compassionate Living: After you have completed these activi- Minimum of 3 projects, including at ties, you will need to procure a congre- least one advocacy activity gational vote (or whatever procedure - Work with congregational board to your congregation does to make a establish a policy to offer plant- statement of congregational practice, based options at all church-wide statements, or beliefs). Procedures for events where food is served. Assist congregational votes vary among con- in the congregational implementa- gregations. Review your congregational tion of the policy. by-laws to determine the requirements - Research and provide congrega- in yours. Check with the church admin- tion with list of cruelty free cos- istrator or a board member to be certain metics and household products. you understand the process as it is ac- - Develop and submit a policy that tually carried out. Frequently there are indicates that the congregation timelines, communication requirements will not feature a slaughtered ani- and instructions for wording. mal (e.g. a pig roast) or harsh treatment, or exploitation (e.g. cir- The following guidelines adapted cus or zoo field trips) of animals as from Congregational Decision-Making part of fund raising or other about Controversial Social Justice Issues, church activities. written by the Rev. Bill Gardiner, may - Develop and submit policies en- help some congregations. couraging the purchase of cruelty- free supplies (like cleaning prod- 1. Plan for several months of dis- ucts). cussion and educational activi- - Develop and submit policies en- ties. It is better to err on the side couraging humane management of of talking too long about an issue mice, squirrels and other creatures than of not talking enough. unwanted in your build- 2. Use as many opportunities as ings/property. possible to educate people, mak- - Establish a relationship with an ing use of the Sunday service, animal rescue group to organize adult forums, discussion groups, for the needs of nonhuman ani- and other formats. mals during natural disasters. 3. Allow proponents of all positions - Establish an education- on the issue to be represented al/information center in the con- with adequate time. gregation (or on the congregation- 4. Set guidelines that focus on facts al website) that promotes and and issues rather than personali- guides congregants to reduce suf- ties. fering of animals. 5. Make it clear that the integrity of - Offer a Compassionate Communi- all participants will be respected cation course for the congregation at all times and any behavior that or greater community. does not treat people with digni-

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ty will not be tolerated. goals and objectives. The goal is to pro- 6. After the agreed-upon time of duce people who can live with rever- education and dialogue has ence for life so as to nourish their lives, passed, use a voting method af- and help nurture the world with their firming the spirit of an inclusive compassionate choices and actions. democratic process. Consider Furthermore, this option helps develop hosting a preparatory informa- leadership skills and tools so as a tional meeting a week or more Reverencer one has a more powerful before, at which people can ex- presence within organizations and press strong feelings and deal communities. Also by becoming a with clarifying the language of a Reverencer you enter with others into a resolution. committed community of support and 7. Ensure ample time for discussion belonging. before a vote is taken at the meeting. Set aside a minimum of If you are planning on pursuing this av- an hour for dialogue and debate enue, fill out an Application of Intent if needed. Give everyone who Form (in Appendix C). wants to speak an opportunity to do so. Upon receiving this application, the RFL 8. If after education and dialogue it Coordinator will then inform UUAM's looks like a vote will damage the Reverence for Life Team and insure that community, DON'T VOTE. The someone is in contact with you congregation isn't ready. Some- throughout this process. You may of times, this means more infor- course contact the RFL Coordinator well mation or dialogue is needed. before this step for guidance or support. Sometimes it means that everyone needs more time to absorb Once you have filled out this Application the information. Sometimes it of Intent you are officially in the RFL means the issue should be Program. There is no cost to do so, how- dropped. ever, we invite you to ask to become a UUAM or make a one-time donation. Once you have obtained congregational UUAM is a 501c(3) organization and our approval, fill out the application for Cer- work is made possible by the generous tification, making sure you have met the donations of groups and individuals requirement. Send this to UUAM for such as yourself. Thank you! You can their approval. Then wait for your cer- find the membership application online tificate and celebrate like crazy! You've at: done wonderful ministry for the benefit of all! http://www.uuam.org/docs/UUAMbroch ure.pdf Becoming an Individual "Reverencer" Requirements/steps are: This option is available for any individuals who are in sympathy with UU Prin- 1. Fill out an Application of Intent ciples and Sources, as well as UUAM

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2. Fill out the Multispecies Compe- As this is a new project in the Reverence tency Worksheet and the Multi- for Life Program, we solicit your feed- species Attitude Worksheet and back, comments, and suggestions. use your responses to guide your learning and progress in this Self Care program 3. First take the online course, Working for social justice can be chal- "Reverence for Life: Transform- lenging. In a culture so steeped in ani- ing Practice into Belief." mal abuse and exploitation, animal ad- 4. Then take the second online vocacy can be particularly stressful. course, "Connecting Our Hearts Those new to these issues can feel to All Life." daunted and overwhelmed, and even 5. Read one of the suggested books longtimers at times may find the seem- on Albert Schweitzer ing lack of progress discouraging. Feel- 6. Complete the required number ings of anger, frustration, discourage- of activities under "Require- ment, grief, loneliness, and burnout are ments for Congregational Certifi- all too common. cation" (adapt them to your organization or to your situation - Remember that we are animals, too. contact the RFL Coordinator for We need to respect our own rights and advice) feelings and take care of ourselves phys- 7. Write out a plan for how you will ically, mentally, and spiritually. Know follow through in the future on your limits. Sometimes you may have to the RFL commitments. These say no to a project. Far better to skip do- commitments are explained ing one thing than to tackle too much more fully in the second online and burn out. Pace yourself. course. (Contact the RFL Coordi- nator for advice and guidance) Know your limits as to how much (in- fo, videos, etc.) you can take in at a time. Commitment to Reality While knowing what happens in factory Commitment to Practice (including self farms, slaughterhouses, laboratories, care) circuses, etc., is important, give yourself Commitment to Communication generous breaks from seeing and read- Commitment to Community ing about animal exploitation. Other- wise, you risk being overwhelmed to the 8. Fill out an Application of point of inaction mistakenly feeling Reverencer Certification that what one person (or a few) does – Once you have completed this your emotional and mental state to de- form and obtained UUAM termineisn’t going when to make you are a difference. able to learn Gauge and certfication, you will be watch more, and when you need to back mailed a certificate and invited off a bit. Find a sympathetic person to to join an online community talk to. of Reverencers. 9. Celebrate! Spending time with nonhuman companions can serve to remind us why

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www.meetup.com provide a much-needed (and often com- the many online communities and web- ic)we’re break. working Remember on these amidst issues the as hear wellt- as sites. You are NOT). alone! And don’t overlook break that there are many heartwarm- ing stories, and take time to celebrate e- those. Check out the list of resources low. e- Finally, see “Self Care Resources,” b member the basics: Participant Feedback under “Self Care.” To get started, r  Eat a healthy diet. With the amazing The Reverence for Life program will array of plant-based convenience improve from the suggestions of those who implement it. We consider this an evolving program. Please let us know orfoods even available, vegan. Make it’s becoming sure to include very your experiences and suggestions by plentyeasy to of be fruits a “junk and food veggies vegetarian” in your contacting the RFL Coordinator. diet!  Care for your body. Exercise regular- ly. Drink plenty of water, get suffi- Contact Information cient rest. Get a massage. Try yoga.  Care for your mind. Read a humor- General Website: www.uuam.org ous or inspirational book, or escape in a good novel. Visit a museum. Reverence for Life information: Meditate. Watch a funny movie or www.uuam.org/reverence.php favorite TV show.  Care for your spirit. Spend time with Reverence for Life Coordinator: Rev. friends. Spend time in nature by LoraKim Joyner, DVM walking in the park or gardening. [email protected] Cry - a- peutic thing you can do. If possible, visit orsometimes volunteer it’s at thean animal most ther sanctuary. Start a journal or a blog. Take up a spiritual practice or join a spiritual practice group.

And, perhaps most importantly, real- ize that you are part of a community of compassionate, dedicated individuals who are working to raise awareness and bring about change. Connect with others who are confronting these issues, in person or online. Contact the UUAM RFL Coordinator or support. Join a Veg- etarian, Vegan, or Animal Rights Meetup group in your area, or think about starting one if none are available (see

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Diagram of Process

Take the first online course - Contact the Reverence for Organize your RFL Team Reverence for Life: Life Coordinator and submit and hold first meeting Transforming Belief into Application of Intent Practice

Determine a course of action Optional: Hold a Reverence Offer Seeking Circle Sessions for Life Workshop

Decide to just hold activities or become a UUAM Chapter Take the second online Craft a congregational plan (follow guidelines for course - Connecting Our for becoming a covenating becoming a Chapter) Hearts to All Life or certified congregation .

If seeking covenanting, draft up a coveant and hold congregational vote. Submit copy of covenant to UUAM If seeking certification, complete required activities

Hold congregational vote Submit Application for Certification

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References

Beers, Diane I. (2006). For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights Activism in the United States. Athens, Ohio: Swallow Press Gardiner, Bill. Congregational Decision-Making about Controversial Social Justice Issues, www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/leaderslibrary/55981.shtml Joyner, LoraKim. (2010, Winter). Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry Newsletter. http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/14101433 53 Johnson, Beth. Transforming Conversations: The Voices of Animals in the Interdependent Web http://animalsreligion.org/Transforming%20Conversations%20serm on.pdf Linzey, Andrew. (1996). Christianity and Animals. Rynn Berry interviews, www.satyamag.com Millspaugh, John Gibb. (2008 Feb.). Religious Leaders React to Abuse of Cows at California Meat Packing Company. http://www.all- creatures.org/articles/ar-ReligiousReaction.html Mixon, Rex W. Jr. e- ley: Kadish Center for Morality, Law and Public Affairs. http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/1gx7m9vb?display=all(2008). Bentham's Three ‘Rules of Moral Duty.’ UC Berk Morales, Peter. Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Ani- mals. Thoughts about UUs and the Ethical Treatment of Animals www.uua.org/ufeta/moralesstatement.html Pity for the Living, Union for Reform Judaism, Hebrew Connection, http://tmt.urj.net/archives/2socialaction/013007.htm Quaker Peace Testimony, Quaker Home Service, http://www.quaker.org/minnfm/peace/quaker_peace_testimony__uk. htm Vaughn, Claudette. Abolitionist on Line. Dominion of Love - Animal Rights According to the Bible. www.abolitionist-online.com/_06phelps.html

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Appendix A

Specific Resources for Reverence for Life Programs

For a longer list of general resources, go here: http://www.uuam.org/docs/resource-packet.pdf

A. Worship and Celebration

Amazing Grace. www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPtbd2pweq. Five minute video about love, compassion and the multispecies relationship. Appro- priate to be viewed by all. Ball, Matt. A Meaningful Life: Animal Advocacy, Human Nature, and a Better World. (2008). http://www.veganoutreach.org/advocacy/AMLDec08.pdf Macy, Joanna. Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're In Without Going Crazy World as Lover, World as Self: Courage for Global Justice and Ecologi- cal Renewal Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Live, Our World Emotional World of Farm Animals, The. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5qDloKW7vM Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice Worship Supplement. http://www.uua.org/socialjustice/issuesprocess/currentissues/ethical eating/index.shtml. Includes sample services that make crafting your own worship service easier. UUAM Website. www.uua.org/ufeta/resources.htm. Offers links to sermons, mediations and thought-provoking articles that affirm species interdependence in our everyday personal, social, economic and political lives. Volpe, Tina & Judy Carman. (2009). The Missing Peace. Dream River Press. Inspirational stories on finding inner peace through compassionate living.

B. Religious education

Institute for Humane Education

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www.humaneeducation.org/sections/view/animal_protection_activitie s. Animal Protection Humane Education Activities feature lesson plans that explore issues related to the protection and welfare of nonhuman animals and our connections to them. Kowalski, Rev. Gary. The Souls of Animals. (1991). Walpole, New Hamp- shire: Stillpoint Press. A Unitarian Universalist minister examines the deeper connections shared by humans and other beings and offers compelling insights into their spirituality in the context of love, mystery, play, joy and self- consciousness. Sandpoint Vegetarians. Vegetarianism and the Major Religions. img.sandpointveg.org/Vegetarianism_and_Major_World_Religions.pdf Beautiful PowerPoint presentation of perspectives from the major religions on the human-nonhuman relationship. Appropriate for viewing by most. Scully, Matthew. (2003). Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Ani- mals, and the Call to Mercy political conservative and former assistant and speechwriter for President George W. Bush,. describesNew York: our St. moralMartin’s imperative Griffin. The to rauthor,e- spond to the exploitation and cruelty of current practices. This work offers a strong scientific, religious and philosophical foundation for mercy. Walker, Alice. (1988). Am I Blue? Living by the Word. New York: Harcourt, Brace & Company. This short essay is simple and simply profound. Alice Walker describes her meeting with a horse. From this starting point, her reflection exposes an interconnected web of oppression. It expands from the divisions, objectification, and alienation between species to that between races, genders, and generations. C. Congregational Life/Compassionate Living

A Life Connected. www.nonviolenceunited.org/veganvideo.html. Excellent video, without graphic images. Fewer than 12 minutes; suitable for viewing by anyone. Produced by Nonviolence United, this video seeks to

with their values of justice, kindness and compassion for all beings help people live a “connected life” by aligning their everyday choices Animal Voice. www.animalsvoice.com/. News, legislation, commentary, articles, essays, campaigns, and resources in all aspects of animal welfare. Emotional World of Farm Animals -

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5qDloKW7vM Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice Resource Guide. www.tinyurl.com/WeAllEat or www.uua.org/documents/washingtonoffice/ethicaleating/studyguide.p df Humane Approach to Wildlife Control. Humane Society of the U.S. www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/humane_approach_wild life_control.html. Offers non-lethal methods to control wild life conflicts without killing and, in many cases, without relocating the wild animals. Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: Vegetarian Diets. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. (2003, June). 103, 6, 748-765. www.tinyurl.com/adaposition. The American Die- appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the tetic Association indicates “that Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry. www.uua.org/ufeta/resources.htm. prevention and treatment of certain diseases.” UUAM website offers articles, books, and resource packets. Wildlife. www.helpinganimals.com/wildlife. People for the Ethical Treat- ment of Animals gives suggestions for reducing and controlling conflicts with wild life. D. Adult Exploration

Barsam, Ara Paul (2008). Reverence for Life - Albert Schweitzer's Great Con- tribution to Ethical Thought. Bekoff, Marc. The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy - and Why They Matter Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals Minding Animals: Awareness, Emotions, and Heart These are books on animal thinking, feeling, and behavior.

Cottrell Free, Ann. (1988). Animals, Nature, and Albert Schweitzer

Foer, Jonathan Safron. Eating Animals. (2009). New York: Little, Brown and Company. www.eatinganimals.com/. Accessible, non-judgmental, thoroughly researched look at the issues of using animals for food. Joy, Melanie. Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction

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to Carnism (2009). Lantern Books. Examination of carnism, the belief system that conditions us to regard the eating of (certain) animals as normal, natural, and necessary. Masson, Jeffrey Moussaieff. The Pig Who Sang to the Moon: The Emotional World of Farm Animals. (2002). New York: Ballantine Books. Masson interweaves folklore, science and literature with his observations of ntense, compelling look at the emotions of animals. farm animals’ behaviors in this i Meyer, Marvin & Bergel, Kurt (eds). (2002). Reverence for Life - The Ethics of Albert Schweitzer for the Twenty-first Century. New York Times Maga- zine. www.michaelpollan.com/article.php?id=55, & B. R. Meyers, Hard Pollan,to Michael. Swallow. (2002, Atlantic Nov. Monthly 10). An. (2007 Animal’s Sept.). Place. www.tinyurl.com/2e63gw .

a. While Pollan abhors many practicesMichael Pollan’s of factory article farming, makes he a dismisses moral case the for arguments omnivorism, for asvegeta doesr- Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemm p-

todayianism. about Myers the challenges individual Pollan’s and social thesis lives supporting of animals animal and human consum re- tion,sponsibilities examining to Pollan’sthem. Read assertions in conjunction, in the context these oftwo what short we articles know lead to a deeper understanding of the issues of ethical eating. Regan, Tom. (2004). Empty Cages: Facing the Challenge of Animal Rights. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman and Littlefield. A long-time advocate for animals and professor emeritus of philosophy at North Carolina State University, Mr. Regan addresses the complex issues of animal rights. This book posits the view that animals deserve moral consideration. Singer, Peter and Jim Mason. (2007). The Ethics of What We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter. Rodale Press. Authors follow three typical American families and their motivations for choosing foods. Five principles for better food choices from the perspectives of the environmental health, human health, sustainability, and reducing cruelty are presented. Vlachos, Eleni. (2008). Seeing Through the Fence. Durham, North Carolina: Front Porch Productions. www.porchlifeproductions. Documentary examining the food industry and our relationship to the animals we eat.

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Waldau, Paul (ed). (2009). A Communion of Subjects: Animals in Religion, Sci ence, and Ethics. This is perhaps the best book for understanding var ious world views on transspecies relationships.

E. Children’s Resources

Goodall, Jane & Alan Marks. Rickie & Henri. www.janegoodall.org/product/rickie-henri-hardcover Goodall, Jane. The Chimpanzees, www.janegoodall.org Gottfried, Maya. Our Farm, paintings by Robert Rahway Zakanitch, www.ourfarmbook.com King-Smith, Dick. Babe the Gallant Pig. www.amazon.com/Babe-Gallant-Pig- Dick-King-Smith/dp/0679873937 Roth, Ruby.That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals. wedonteatanimals.com/ Vegan for Life, vegan-for-life.blogspot.com/2010/06/episode-1-going-vegan- as-teenager.html. Blog by a New Zealand teenager about moving to a plant-based diet.

F. Social Justice

Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice Resource Guide pdf.www.uua.org/documents/washingtonoffice/ethicaleating/studygu ide.pdf or word www.uua.org/socialjustice/issuesprocess/currentissues/ethicaleating/ 121903.shtml Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice Statement of Conscience. http://www.uua.org/statements/statements/185320.shtml Johnson, William. (1994). The Rose-Tinted Menagerie. Iridescent Publishing. Describes behind-the-scenes action in circuses, aquariums, and zoos. Phelps, Norm. (2007). The Longest Struggle: Animal Advocacy from Pythag- oras to PETA. New York: Lantern Books. G. Communication

Newberg, Andrew & Waldman, Mark Roberts. (2012). Words Can Change Your Brain: 12 Conversation Strategies to Build Trust, Resolve Conflict,

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and Increase Intimacy Rosenberg, Marshall. (2003). Non-violent Communication. Puddle Dancer Press. Weil, Zoe. (2009). Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life. Beyond Words/Atria Press.

H. Religious Resources

Barsam, Ara Paul (2008). Reverence for Life - Albert Schweitzer's Great Con- tribution to Ethical Thought. Best Friends Animal Society. http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/. Provides resources and information as well as assistance, and training to people and grassroots groups who are looking to create no-kill communities. Born Free USA. www.bornfreeusa.org/. Information about the status of animal advocacy campaigns and avenues for action. Catholic Concern for Animals. www.all-creatures.org/ca/usa-about.html Cottrell Free, Ann. (1988). Animals, Nature, and Albert Schweitzer

Christian Vegetarian Association. www.all-creatures.org/cva/

Episcopal Network for Animal Welfare. www.all- creatures.org/discuss/mission-enaw.html Humane Society of the United States Animals and Religion. allcreatures.hsus.org/ Institute of Humane Education. www.humaneeducation.org/home. Infor- mation and classes for effective teaching of humane education. Interreligious Voices for Animal Compassion. animalsreligion.org/steeringcommittee. Jewish Vegetarians of North America. www.jewishveg.com/ Meyer, Marvin & Bergel, Kurt (eds). (2002). Reverence for Life - The Ethics of Albert Schweitzer for the Twenty-first Century. Quaker Vegetarians. quaker-animals.co.uk, and www.vegetarianfriends.net/ Society for Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (SERV). www.serv-online.org/

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Waldau, Paul. (2009). A Communion of Subjects: Animals in Religion, Sci ence, and Ethics This is perhaps the best book for understanding various world views on transspecies relationships.

I. International Resources and Connections

Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. www.cfhs.ca. Describes legislative efforts to stop animal cruelty in Canada; also material including guidelines on Humane Education in Schools and the Humane Educa- tion Resource Pack.

J. Self Care

Adams, Carol. Living Among Meat Eaters: The Vegetarian's Survival Hand- book. Vegetarian Food for Thought podcasts. www.feeds.feedburner.com/VegetarianFoodForThought Compassionate Cooks. www.compassionatecookscommunity.com/ Greenspan, Miriam. Healing Through the Dark Emotions: The Wisdom of Grief, Fear, & Despair. www.miriamgreenspan.com/ Jones, Pattrice. (2007). Aftershock: Confronting Trauma in a Violent World. Lantern Books. Macy, Joanna. Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're In Without Going Crazy World as Lover, World as Self: Courage for Global Justice and Ecologi- cal Renewal Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Live, Our World Rettig, Hillary (2006). The Lifelong Activist: How to Change the World With- out Losing Your Way. Lantern Books.

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Appendix B

A Historical Context

Many Unitarian Univeralists have been influential in thinking and action regarding multispecies. You can read more here: http://www.uuam.org/docs/honoree-bios.pdf

PYTHAGORAS

Most people associate this Greek philosopher with his work in mathemat- ics. The Pythagorean Theorem may have predated Pythagoras but he is typically given credit for its discovery and proof. Pythagoras gathered many men and women to his teachings and he was fluent in philosophical, mathematical, and religious ideas. In fact, Pythagoras very much believed these areas of thought were highly interrelated.

Like many other Greeks of his day (born c. 570 BCE died c. 495 BCE), Py- thagoras believed in metempsychosis, the transmigration of the soul, often called reincarnation. He believed we could be reincarnated– as human beings, animals, or vegetables. We would be reincarnated again and again until we became moral beings. Pythagoras is said to have been able to remember vividly four of his previous lives.

By many accounts the ideal moral diet was one that caused the least harm to animals by leaving them out ruthless destroyer of lower livingof one’sbeings diet he becausewill never they know too health shared or had a peace.soul. Ovid For quotesas long Pythagoras as men massacre as saying, animals, “As long they as will man kill continues each other. to beIn- the thedeed, 19th he whocentury, sows people the seed who of abstained murder and from pain meat cannot were reap called joy Pythagor and love.”e- ans.Interestingly, until the word “vegetarian” was conceived in the middle of

KING ASOKA

Asoka the Great ruled almost the entire subcontinent of India from 269 BCE to 232 BCE. He is known for his devotion to ahimsa, the idea of doing no harm. He witnessed the slaughter of thousands of men during a war ef-

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 47 fort under his command. This vision of violence moved Asoka into the religious arms of Buddhism.

Asoka attempted to influence the entire realm to take on a vegetarian diet. He also encouraged the discontinuation of hunting to those living under his enforced the law against killing certain animals and many others, but the greatest progress of righteous- nessauthority. among One men of comeshis edicts from stated, the exhortation “I have in favor of non-injury to life kingdom devoted to ahimsa was not realized, he is probably the first and onlyand abstention major ruler from of the killing world living to have beings.” tried.While Asoka’s idea of having a

SOME INTERESTING TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE

Many are of the opinion that one can find and justify about any kind of behavior in the Bible. Because of this, some will be very interested in what the Bible might say about eating nonhuman animals. Other Unitarian Uni- versalists may have little interest in this area.

This is, in no way, an exhaustive review of the biblical literature. In fact, the Bible says a great deal about how to eat nonhuman animals (among many other matters) within the kosher dietary laws of Judaism. At the same time, there are several areas and passages within the Bible we might do well to think about.

Hebrew Bible

Within the Hebrew Bible, there are several items of note for those who advocate for animals. For instance, it is interesting that, in the very first chapter of the Bible, after creating all there is on the planet, and even after tell- God then tells us what to eat.

Theing us 29th to “subdue” verse of the the New earth, Revised Standard Version (NRSV) the Bible p- on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall states, “God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is u and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, eve- have them for food.” This is followed by, “And to every beast of the earth, rything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’

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It then appears that everyone in the Garden of Eden survived on a plant- based diet. The place the God of the Bible created, with the initial intention of it always being this way, was one in which all animals (human and nonhuman) lived in harmony with one another and one did not eat the other.

It is also interesting to note, what God told the newly-freed slaves of Egypt to eat as they followed Moses in the desert in their search for the promise land. It is assumed that God could have provided anything at all for the chosen people to consume. What God chose to offer in Exodus 16 was manna. Manna appears to have been a sweet bread-like substance.

would later be identified as the bread of life in the Gospel of John. The idea of “manna from heaven” has survived in popular usage. Jesus The Book of Daniel reveals some interesting passages. It could very well be that Daniel did not consume animal flesh. While imprisoned by Nebuchad- nezzar, Daniel refused to eat the meat and drink the wine of those who imprisoned him (1:8). He then went further to advocate for a plant based diet in 11:1:

Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants

tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was observed that theyaccording appeared to what better you and observe.’ fatter thanSo he all agreed the young to this men proposal who had and been eating the royal rations.

Some might argue the sixth commandment was not intended for nonhu- Bible does say explicitly “Thou Shall Not Kill” in the Ten Commandments. man animals.Early Christian Animal advocatesWritings might say, “Why not?”

There is some literature that makes the case for Jesus as a member of the Essene or Ebionite Jewish groups. Both of these groups are reported to

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 49 have supported vegetarian diets for religious reasons. It could be that Je- c- rificing animals. besus’ a fightPassover with Seder.the money However, changers the mealat the is temple often shown gates was to consist a fight only over of sa bread and wine; Jesus’there islast no supper mention as ofdepicted meat. in the Bible is often said to

JEREMY BENTHAM

Bentham was a British philosopher and educator with Unitarian sympa- thies. He is most well known for his contributions to the philosophy of utili- tarianism. This philosoph further refined most famouslyy basically by John states Stuart that Mill. an action’s moral worth is only derived from its utility in providing happiness. Bentham’s ideas were He is probably best known within the animal rights world for the following words from his 1789 book titled, Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation:

those rights which never could have been withheld from them but by the“The hand day ofmay tyranny come when. . . a full-grown the rest of horse the animal or dog creation is beyond may compar acquirei- son a more rational, as well as a more conversable animal, than an infant of a day, or a week or even a month old. But suppose the case were otherwise, what would it avail? The question is not, can they reason? Nor can they talk? But, can they suffer? Why should the law refuse its protection to any sensitive being? The time will come when

The ideahumanity that the will ability extend to suffer its mantle rather over than everything the ability which to reason breathes...” should be the standard by which to judge the lives of animals was quite remarkable.

HENRY BERGH

Henry Bergh was a powerful force in the 19th century. He was born into the wealth of a ship builder family. When his father died he used the inher- itance to become a man of leisure. Subsequently, he was sent to Russia by Abraham Lincoln as a diplomatic representative. It was there that Bergh became more aware of animal abuse. During his return trip to the United States, Bergh stopped in England and spoke with the president of the Royal

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Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, providing an impetus for the 1866 establishment of the American Society for the Prevention to Ani- high society in the raising of funds for the new organization. His efforts weremals (ASPCA).also aided Bergh by Henry had assistanceWhitney Bellows, from his the many minister contacts of his in church,New York’s now known as the Unitarian Church of All Souls. Several women from the congregation were instrumental in building the organization. There seems to have been an uneasy relationship with Universalist showman, P.T. Barnum. The ASPCA continues its work today. The organizational website says the resources ASPCA exists to “rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share MORE RECENTwith sheltersCALLS FOR nationwide.” JUSTICE FOR HUMAN AND NON-HUMAN ANIMALS.

x- traordinaryALBERT SCHWEITZER human being. said He that was “until an accomplished we extend our musician, circle of theologian,compassion medicalto all living doctor, things, and humanity philosopher. will notHe excelledfind peace.” in each Schweitzer of these wasareas. an He e wrote theological and ethical works. He traveled to Africa as a medical mis- sionary in an attempt to alleviate suffering. When he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952, all of his prize money went towards his work in Africa.

Animal advocates recognize Schweitzer for his ideas concerning Reverence for Life. In his autobiography he said he believed this idea to be his greatest contribution to the world. Schweitzer purposefully did not delineate between human and nonhuman animals in his ideas of Reverence for Life. He said we could not determine whether any sentient being had a greater will to live than any other. Respect for the will to live was paramount.

Interestingly, that respect did not always extend to the flesh of animals, as Schweitzer is reported to have eaten meat frequently. His thought that a which he is able to assist, and shrinks from injuring anything that lives" is somethingperson “is truly animal ethical advocates only when can strive he obeys to emulate. the compulsion to help all life

PETER SINGER, an Australian philosopher and currently professor of bio- ethics at Princeton dvo- cates as a launching pad to their awareness of the rights of all sentient be- University, is viewed by many of today’s animal a

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 51 ings. The book that captured these ideas was titled Animal Liberation, which is considered by many to be the Bible of the animal rights move- ment.

Singer popularized the term by Richard D. Ryder, a British psychologist who works vigorously against animal testing. It was Singer,“speciesism”. however, who The brought word thewas word originally into more coined popular usage. Speciesism connotes the discrimination practiced by human beings against other species. Interestingly, Ryder now prefers the term rights. “painism” in an effort to denote that any being who feels pain deserves JEFFREY MASSON, author, student of Sanskrit, and psychoanalyst, taught at the University of Toronto for several years while training to become a Freudian analyst. For many years Masson was best known within Freudian circles. In fact, he eventual became curator of the Sigmund Freud Archives. But he was not content.

He went on to study and write extensively and powerfully about the emotional life of animals, bringing to the popular press revelations about the expressions of the emotions - love, joy, anger, fear, shame, compassion, and loneliness - by nonhuman animals. Of his many books, the most well known are When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals and The Pig Who Sang to the Moon which examines the emotions and intelligence of farm animals.

HOWARD LYMAN is a fourth generation Montana cattle rancher and lobby- ist for the National Farmers Union. He is a Unitarian Universalist. He earned a degree in agriculture from Montana, hoping to increase the profits of the family business. After seeing the deterioration of his land and health brought on by exposure to agricultural chemicals, he decided to go back to farming the natural organic way. At some point Lyman began to really see the atrocities perpetrated against farmed animals and was no longer willing to continue his role in the slaughter business. He began to speak out against these practices and became known as the Mad Cowboy.

In 1996 as a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Lyman told Oprah what went into the hamburgers she had eaten. After Oprah said she would never eat another hamburger again, she and Lyman were charged with disparag-

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REVERENCE FOR LIFE PROGRAM 52 ing the cattle industry under the so-called Food Disparagement Laws and faced a multimillion dollar law suit. Lyman and Winfrey were acquitted. He continues to speak out on behalf of the animals and, in 2010, spoke at the UU General Assembly where he was sponsored by the Commission on So- cial Witness as part of the Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice Congregational Study Action Issue effort.

MATTHEW SCULLY is a conservative speechwriter who has written speeches for George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and Dan Quayle. He has also written for John McCain and Sarah Palin. More notably, he has used his writing talents to deliver a book that has been hailed by individuals regardless of political affiliation. This book, Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suf- fering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy a practicing Roman Catholic, examines how humans can be better stewards of the animal life on this planet and reduce, written suffering from. Scully’s perspective of

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Appendix C

Forms and Materials

1. Application of Intent 2. Application of Congregational Certification 3. Application of Individual Reverencer Certification 4. Multispecies Competency Worksheet - DRAFT 5. Multispecies Attitude Worksheet - DRAFT

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1. Application of Intent

Reverence for Life Program Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry Application of Intent

To be a part of this program, you (as an individual), or your congregation/organization is required to fill in this application and to get approval from UUAM's Reverence for Life (RFL) Coordinator. The purpose of this application is to ensure that UUAM can support you in your process. You can request a copy of this form in Word so you can type in your answers, or print it out and mail it in.

This application is for a congregation/organization Y N

This application is for an individual Y N

Date:

Congregation/Organization Information

Congregation/Organization Name:

Address:

Website:

Minister or Congregational/Organizational Leader (President):

Name of Individual Applicant or Contact Person (i.e., you):

Email:

Phone:

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Animal Ministry Information

Do you have a current animal ministry of some kind? Y N

If so, please explain briefly (how many participants, activities):

Are you a current UUAM chapter? Y N

Are you a current UUAM member? Y N

How many members of your congregation are UUAM members? ______

Why do you wish to be part of the Reverence for Life Program at this time?

What challenges do you foresee?

What benefits do you foresee?

What else should we know or would you like to tell us?

Please fill this form out electronically and then send via email to Rev.LoraKim Joyner, DVM UUAM Reverence for Life Coordinator [email protected] or mail to: 4531 Winnequah Road Monona, WI 53716

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2. Reverence for Life Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry Application of Congregational Certification

Congregation/Organizational Information

Congregation Name

Address

Web site

Reverence for Life contact

Address

Phone

Minister or Congregation Leader

Congregation Profile (Please type in this section and provide a brief introduction to your congregation. This should include, but not be limited to: membership, average attendance, RE enrollment, and demographics of congregant.

Reverence for Life Team (or Animal Ministry Team) (Please type in this section and provide information about your RFL Team (which may be the same thing as your Animal Ministry Team or UUAM Chapter Members). List by name members on this team and their roles. Also include particular challenges and celebrations you had along the way.

Please check off that you have completed:

Application of Intent First Organizational Meeting. How many attended?______Contacted and Sought Input from Congregational Leaders Took First Online Course - Reverence for Life. How many attended? ______Held Seeking Circle Sessions. How many attended?______Took Second Online Course - Connecting Our Hearts. How many attended?______

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Completed and discussed Multispecies Competency Worksheet. How many completed?_____ Completed and discussed Multispecies Attitude Worksheet. How many completed?______Held optional Reverence for Life Workshop Received Congregational Approval/Vote for Certification Have asked RFL Team Members to become UUAM members, or for individuals or the congregation to make a one-time donation to UUAM Completed Required Activities (see below)

Required Activities

For each category, Please describe each activity and how many participated

Worship, Spirituality and Celebration Projects (2 required)

Religious Education and Faith Development Projects (2 required, 1 for children, 1 for youth, and 1 for adults)

Adult Exploration (minimum 4 required)

Social Justice (minimum 2 projects, one an ongoing project with another group)

Compassionate Living (minimum 3 projects including at least 1 advocacy activity)

Please fill this out electronically and send this via email to Rev.LoraKim Joyner, DVM UUAM Reverence for Life Coordinator [email protected] or mail to: 4531 Winnequah Road Monona, WI 53716

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Reverence for Life Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry Application of Individual Reverencer Certification

Congregation/Organizational Information

Name

Organizations

Web sites

Address

Phone

Your Profile (Please type in this section and provide a brief introduction of yourself. This should include, but not be limited to organizations to which you belong, your work with animals, and challenges and benefits you experienced in this program).

Please check off that you have completed:

Application of Intent Took First Online Course - Reverence for Life. Took Second Online Course - Connecting Our Hearts. Read at least one book on or by Albert Schweitzer Completed and discussed/journaled about Multispecies Competency Worksheet Completed and discussed/journaled about Multispecies Attitude Worksheet Considered becoming a UUAM members, or to make a one-time donation to UUAM Completed a plan for a course of growing in your commitments to Reverence for Life Completed Required Activities (see below)

Required Activities

For each category, Please describe each activity and how many participated

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Worship, Spirituality and Celebration Projects (1 required)

Religious Education and Faith Development Projects (1 required)

Adult Exploration (1 required)

Social Justice (minimum 1 project)

Compassionate Living (minimum 2 projects including at least 1 advocacy activity)

Briefly describe your plan for growing your commitments to Reverence for Life

For each category write activities in which you will engage. How will you insure self care as well as accountability for each activity?

Commitment to Reality

Commitment to Communication

Commitment to Practice

Commitment to Community

Please fill this out electronically and send this via email to Rev.LoraKim Joyner, DVM UUAM Reverence for Life Coordinator [email protected] or mail to: 4531 Winnequah Road

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Monona, WI 53716

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Multispecies Competency Worksheet

Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry

Instructions: Rank where you are as an individual below on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the highest understanding, ability or competency. This worksheet is meant as a discussion tool and a guide to learning and increasing multispecies awareness and competency. We discourage its use to pass judgment on others, or otherwise label or categorize people by their thoughts and actions. You will find that there are many commonalities between multicultural and multispecies competencies.

As speaking of multispecies awareness and competency is part of a new paradigm and ex- ploratory field, we encourage your feedback on how this worksheet worked for you and how we might improve it. (www.uuam.org).

1. I can discuss evolution leading up to Homo sapiens (humans).