West Country prayer group for animals

Catholics in Gloucestershire are being invited to join an ecumenical prayer group for animals. Drawn from Gloucestershire and neighbouring Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the group is made up of Christians of all traditions and ages. Meeting to pray for animals and their welfare take place regularly at Gloucester Cathedral. Organiser Reverend Lynne Chitty said: "We believe that animals are God's creatures and reject the notion that they are just commodities existing only for the sake of human beings. We consider that animals are entitled to be treated with dignity and compassion, and call on all Christians to help put right the injustices and cruelties that animals continue to suffer at human hands. "We believe that the Kingdom of God involves the release from suffering and exploitation of both humans and animals. We believe that animals should enjoy freedom from hunger and thirst; from discomfort; from pain, injury and disease; from fear and distress; and the freedom to express natural behaviour. "We support all peaceful animal welfare charities, particularly those which seek to serve and challenge the Christian Church. "We warmly invite you to join in our times of prayer either in your own home or at Gloucester Cathedral in the Blue Chapel between 12.15pm and 12.45pm on the first Saturday of each month. There is the opportunity to have lunch together afterwards. Events and quiet days take place through the year; and there is always literature available for you to take away, on all aspects of animal welfare and on the Christian responsibility towards all of God's creatures." The group can provide a speaker to address for church or community groups about animal welfare issues, to initiate and facilitate discussion and debate, and to lead quiet days or times or prayer. For further details write to Reverend Lynne Chitty at 5 Millers Green, Gloucester GL1 2BN or call 01452 414616. Lynne's email address is: lynnechitty@gloucestercathedral.org.uk Source: Clifton Diocese