A Lesser Time For Animals, and A Lesser Colour Too?
The ‘Anglican Society For The welfare Of Animals ASWA) has over the
past three years fragmented the Act Of remembrance at the animals own
national war memorial, by starting off a seemingly rival one in the
afternoon! Indeed, the latter will no doubt be easier to attend –
being in the leisurely afternoon – but it has taken a few away from
the morning service, which includes the Nation’s two minutes silence.
Indeed, it is hardly for me to criticize such an innovation
by ASWA, no more than it would be for me to criticise Animal Aid for
introducing blue poppies (or is it purple?) in place of red ones. I
honestly didn’t know that the lifeblood of a slain animal on a
battlefield was of a different colour, but at 84 I’m still fully
prepared to learn!
Meanwhile, as for ASWA’s afternoon
innovation, I consider it best to let the following article taken from
a past News Letter of WAAC: ‘Wales Against Animal Cruelty’ speak for
itself:
The Reverend James Thompson with the support of his
devoted wife Doreen, have worked tirelessly to promote kindness to all
animals. The Reverend felt so strongly that animals deserve a voice,
he set up his own organisation, 'Christians Against all Animal Abuse'.
He master minded animal blessing services throughout North Wales and I
was witness to some of his amazing speeches during the services he
held. I remember watching one service and noting the intense passion,
I swear, I could see a glow eminating from his face. The Rev became
affectionately known - by animal lovers all over the world - as the
Animals Padre.
But for me the Reverend Thompson's most prestigious
achievement was setting up a memorial service at the Animals War
Memorial in London, for the forgotten animals of war. There are some
who wanted Rev James to conduct this service in the afternoon because
they said it would conflict with the memorial service for human
victims if it was to take place in the morning. The Rev stuck to his
belief that animal victims should be given the same respect as people
and so the service for animals will always be held in the morning.
This year however, 2011, the Reverend will not be giving the service
but he has been assured by another high ranking member of the clergy
that although the animal service will be held in the morning, another
service will also be held by a group called ASWA on the afternoon. I
presume to placate those that put human life above that of the
animals!
We should never forget that it was the
Reverend James Thompson who started this service at this memorial for
animals. Thank you Rev James, for sticking to your moral standards and
principles, and ‘Welcome as a Patron to Wales Against Animal Cruelty’.
Judi (Hewitt, Founder & Editor)
Go on to The Flock That Christendom
Forgot: An Animal Padre’s Uphill Pilgrimage
Return to August 2014 Table of Contents
Return to
Newsletters
Animal Padre's
