Animal Rites

by Andrew Linzey

Overview

Christians believe that the logos is the source of all life, yet Christian worship remains unashamedly human-centric. The world of creation, and animals in particular, is almost invisible in our worship. The churches do not have the liturgical means of celebrating the life of animals, giving thanks for their companionship, praying for the relief of their suffering, or marking their death. This unique book provides a variety of liturgies that are animal-friendly and animal-inclusive. They include services in celebration of animal companionship, services for animal welfare, healing liturgies, new eucharistic prayers ""for the whole creation,"" and animal burial services. Underlying all these new forms is a serious theological purpose: to help us to draw deeper into the mystery of God's work in creation and to affirm other sentient beings as co-creatures with us. ""The commentary, thoughts, and prayers on this issue of animal care are a very necessary provision to help clergy and ministers understand and appreciate the theme of Christian responsibility for creation."" --The Most Reverend Alwyn Rice Jones, Archbishop of Wales "" . . . of an exceptionally high standard both in language and content."" --Bishop John Baker Andrew Linzey is Director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and a member of the Faculty of Theology in the University of Oxford.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498230964
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	06/23/2015
Pages:	186
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Andrew Linzey is Director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and a member of the Faculty of Theology in the University of Oxford.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Not a Sparrow Falls: Reclaiming Animal-Friendly Spirituality 1

1 Celebrating the Creatures: A Liturgy 23

2 A Service for Anima! Welfare 32

3 Eucharistic Prayers for All Creatures 44

4 Covenanting with Animals: A Liturgy 57

5 Liturgies for the Healing of Animals 66

6 Litanies for Animal Protection 77

7 A Vigil for All Suffering Creatures 91

8 Forms for the Blessing of Animals 101

9 A Liturgy for Animal Burial 108

10 Memorial Prayers for Animals 119

Appendix 1 Additional Prayers and Reading 131

Appendix 2 Guide to Sources and Further Reading on Animals and Spirituality 152

Notes 184

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"The commentary, thoughts, and prayers on this issue of animal care are a very necessary provision to help clergy and ministers understand and appreciate the theme of Christian responsibility for creation."
—The Most Reverend Alwyn Rice Jones, Archbishop of Wales

" . . . of an exceptionally high standard both in language and content."
—Bishop John Baker

Editorial Reviews

The commentary, thoughts, and prayers on this issue of animal care are a very necessary provision to help clergy and ministers understand and appreciate the theme of Christian responsibility for creation.
--The Most Reverend Alwyn Rice Jones, Archbishop of Wales

. . . of an exceptionally high standard both in language and content.
--Bishop John Baker

From the Publisher