Newsletters
From Spring 2007 Issue
STOP PRESS: A Saint Has Been Promoted To Glory!
Yes, the term ‘promoted to glory’ is an old time salvation Army one.
But if ever there were a saint for the animal cause, for whom such a
term is worthy, then it must be Michael Sutcliffe. For here is a fellow
who was a cultured gentleman, refined and courteous, yet equally
militant all the way. Indeed, his passing has just been notified to us
and both Doreen and I are still quite stunned. All that one can say is
that the passing of a saint is glorious in the sight of God, and I know
that such a scriptural quotation is fitting for Michael Sutrcliffe.
Indeed, when I first asked this wonderful fellow his name he said:
‘it’s not a very favourable one. I share my surname with the Yorkshire
ripper!’ Ah yes! But then he shared his Christian name with the
archangel Michael; the one who destroys the very devil himself in the
metaphorical form of a dragon. Appropriately then, Michael has always
been on the tail of the devil, and never more forcefully than in seeking
to wipe out the whole vile business of animal cruelty. Wherever the
devil has raised his ugly head Michael has been out to destroy him; and,
somehow, I don’t think Michael has left us all to fight on our own.
Somehow, I very much feel that Michael, Hans, Vickie, Jill – and many
others – have far from left us. I really sense that these are the saints
of our, animal cause and that they are – as it were – ‘looking down and
spurring us on from their heavenly gallery overhead.
I can only speak for myself when I say that I am encouraged to fight
the good fight on this earthly arena because now Michael is spurring me
forward with: ‘You can do it James; you can do it’ (See Hebrews Chapter
eleven in the New Testament). Yes friends, there are various shades of
goodness. I think of those who practise virtue to avoid Hell or
Purgatory to come. ‘Are you ready for eternity?’ They ask. ‘Are you born
again?’ Or ‘are you a convert and have you got priestly absolution?’ It
would appear as if many of them are riddled through with guilt and,
therefore, petrified about what happens beyond the grave. Is it any
wonder that so many try to get on the right side of a cleric? You’ve no
idea how many perks a clerical collar gives one. A contrast, indeed,
when you go without one! But the highest virtue I come across is amongst
those who leave eternity in God’s hands – that’s if they believe in Him
at all! But such folk are goodness itself without any future recompense
in view. Yes, and the animal rights movement is full of them and I’m
glad to be a Christian cleric amongst this altruistic salt of humanity
I feel that for us who had the honour to meet him, we can all say of
Michael Sutcliffe - who was suddenly promoted to Glory at 84 years of
age while encircled with correspondence ready for newspapers and
government departments. Yes, when seriously afflicted with macular
degeneration as well! – ‘I thank my God for every remembrance of you’:
Animal Padre's
