‘Lives of great men all remind us, we must make our
lives sublime;
And in moving, leave behind us: footsteps in the
sands of time!’
Such are the memorable words of Longfellow. However,
we must always include men created in the image of God as including
women, a factor which is theologically correct. As the Good book says:
‘He created mankind in His own image, both male and female created He
them! This needs to be emphasised, as, in my experience concerning
our animal cause, more women appear to have taken a noble single cause
than have men. Indeed, the bravery of women in inaugurating activist
movements, vigils and protests has more than rivalled the men involved.
And, as for males who have sought to fulfil some noble task, then it has
so often been due to the influence of a Godly mother or a loyal and
supportive wife. Praise God for the fairer sex I would say, but only on
the proviso that the so-called ‘fair sex’ includes those beautiful
brunettes as well! My emphasis here is not on beauty that is skin deep
but of that which comes from the heart. Yes, a heart that bleeds with
compassion and empathy for all life that suffers; and a courage prepared
to take a stand single-handed when necessary against socially accepted
evils inflicted upon vulnerable animals unable to defend themselves or
their young.
Handing over the future ‘Remembrance Sunday Morning’ Act Of Worship’ to
Fr George O’chola
Shame, I say on so many men who hold positions of influence within
the churches and the political parties, who could do so much but prefer
to do nothing memorable at all. My friends. greater, indeed, must be the
guilt that rests upon their shoulders when they stand before the
judgment seat of The Most High God! They could have done so many things
for our animal brethren, but rather than rock their Laodicean boats they
have chosen – even for Lent! – a cushion in place of a minor cross.
Indeed, our wonderful colleague Don Gwillim - Founder of the Christian
Vegetarian Association of the UK (of which I feel honoured to be a
patron) - has annually written to church leaders. His simple request
being that a vegetarian diet be considered as having a legitimate place
within our so called Lenten Fast. Yet the vast majority of bishops’
throughout the UK have ‘responded’ by silence and seeming total
indifference. Though they mostly have fulltime secretaries, they haven’t
even had them drafting out a reply in acknowledgment. Well, if such is
the rot that has set in at the top then heaven help those at parish
levels subordinate to them!.
Go on to Next Article
Return to Spring 2011 Issue
Return to Newsletters
Animal Padre's
