AboutDavid Spector Expertise I can answer questions about Quakerism and the Religious Society of Friends from a Universalist (non-Evangelical, unprogrammed) point of view, particularly questions about Quaker religious practice.
Experience I have been a practicing Friend since approximately 1998 and have been active in attending and helping to organize Friends' activities, such as retreats run by our Meeting.
Organizations I belong to I am a member of Friends Meeting at Cambridge (Massachusetts, USA).
Expert: David Spector Date: 4/20/2007 Subject: Quakers and violence to lesser animals
Question Dear Friend,
Why do Quakers not have a testimony that recognizes the unacceptability of violence towards the worlds lesser animals? Quaker testimonies address such issues as peace and non-violence, but only between and against human beings, particularly in time of war. This seems most disingenuous and contrary to their testimonies for truth and integrity. The world's animal holocaust is perpetrating the same level of violence, deprivation,suffering and indignities against lesser sentient beings as did the barbaric atrocities committed by the Nazi's against the Jewish people, but on a far greater scale and time period. The Bible does not condone it, and neither do the true wise sages and spiritual leaders of past millennia. I, and like minded people, must work behind the scenes in spiritual and religious fringe groups towards enlightening our fellow seekers about this concern. We meet with resistance! How can Quakers not be be aware of what is happening in the animal industries, in the intensive breeding farms, fur farms, pig farms, diary industry, slaughter houses, animal transportation, breeding cages and animal experimentation laboratories - to mention only a few, without developing a formal concern in the form of a testimony? ("Having eyes, see thou not?") It seems that for Quakers gambling is a more serious concern than the cruelty and abuse of million of our fellow creatures that is taking place on a daily basis. Surely, there is no comprise, for love and compassion can know no bounds or limitation - love overcomes, but love must witnessed by right action. Quakers appear to acknowledge a concern about the treatment of our animal companions, but do nothing in protest about it (or formally support those in their ranks who need their support and encouragement).
In F/friendship,
Stuart
Answer Stuart, Thank you for your question.
I think you are preaching to the choir when you say these things to Quakers. Quakers have a natural concern for animal abuse just as they have for many other ethical issues.
However, you might just as well ask "how come Quakers do not have a testimony against the daily abuses of the civil rights of blind and visually impaired people, deaf people, those with physical disabilities, and others?"
The fact is, individual Quakers have a very wide range of opinions and views. Quakerism is not as structured or "authoritarian" as religions such as Catholicism.
Quakers have therefore tried to determine a minimal set of testimonies that can be agreed to by all Quakers.
That being said, it is certainly possible to propose a Minute on your issue at any Quaker Monthly Meeting. I would say that you would have a good chance of getting it accepted.
Your concerns should be raised first in your local Meeting, then promoted up until reaching the national level. That way your concerns can create real change in the awareness of all Quakers for this important issue.
