The Flock That Christendom Forgot: An Animal Padre’s Uphill Pilgrimage
Episode 19
Creating a Hymnal With Animals in Mind
After the first seven hymns had been singled out for use in a
Westminster Abbey service; and the best three had been singled out for
a prize by our two Cambridge Don colleagues, Doreen and I launched a
hymnal containing these, and further commendable submissions. Added to
it were prayers, suggestions for orders of worship, a list of
appropriate Bible readings; as well as one of charities worthy of
prayerful support. Indeed, Doreen re.typed each of the hymns, while
an ex TV announcer – a ‘gay’ whom we’d befriended in hospital and was
recovering from a breakdown - typed out the pages to be justified on
his, most coveted ‘word processor.
The outcome of this
publication was a resounding success. for not only did ‘Praise for
Creatures Great and Small’ receive top media publicity in Northern
Scotland, but copies of the compilation were in demand within
Edinburgh, where two Lutheran clergy were doing further studies. These
were Michael and Christa Blanke, both Lutheran pastors from Glauberg
near Frankfurt; and before long our innovative enterprise led to an
invitation to preach there, when Michael would be our interpreter.
German Christians Leading the Way For The Animals
It was an
honour for me to address this, ‘the largest ecumenical animal blessing
service that had ever been convened’. What a marvellous occasion it
was!
Alongside Lutheran Pastors were other clergy, including a Roman
Catholic priest. While, indeed, on the day previous to it - as the
plane had made its way to Germany - I’d become emotionally moved to
tears at the closeness of God's presence which was felt in blessing
over us, Yes, and awesomeness of a great responsibility which
followed, was often intense. However, such periods of ecstatic elation
were later to leave for many years, only to return spasmodically.
But, now, while on that plane to Germany, the closeness of God's
presence returned again. Yes, just as it had months previous - back:
in Grey Friars Churchyard, Edinburgh - when in close proximity to
little Bobby's grave I’d offered prayer..
Sarcasm & Snide
Remarks On One’s Return
The kindly Bishop had held very high
hopes for me and seriously wondered whether my concern over the
animals was going at times 'over the top', Yet he never once
reprimanded me over the mounting publicity I was drawing. However,
this was hardly the case concerning some other clergy! The more open
amongst them telling me that they could see no scriptural
justification for such innovations. Apparently, no theology professor
had argued along such a line as mine! Animals were not in their
theological curriculum. Hence I drew as much scepticism - if not scom!
- as when, on occasions, I'd commended several alternative medicines,
or had qualified as a hypnotherapist
Was I not, therefore, (in
the words of a TV interviewer) 'afraid of being interpreted as a
crank?' Well, thankfully, not in the opinion of the bachelor Provost
of St. Andrew's Cathedral! 'You make me feel quite ashamed. I think
you are twenty years ahead of us all, James. And we should all be
doing what you are doing!' Equally, a lady professor at the
University voiced a similar opinion: She was a forthright supporter
for sexual equality who commended me for speaking out for 'our
four-legged brethren'.
Bearing in mind the words of Jesus that
‘a prophet is without honour amongst his own people’, it was little
wonder, when a request came from another Aberdeen church for me to
initiate an annual animal blessing service, that the Kirk should
happen to be a very select Presbyterian one, rather than an Episcopal
church of my own denomination!
The impetus behind this came
from the wife of the University’s Vice-chancellor. And she - along
with a Consultant paediatrician’s wife - were profound and wonderful
supporters for furthering the animal cause. Let no one, therefore,
look upon all ‘female animal activists’ as of the loud-mouthed,
uncouth agitating types, for I can assure you that those who have done
the most for the cause in my life are 'ladies' in the truest and
noblest sense of the term. Indeed, I thank my God for every
remembrance of these two gems!
to be continued...
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