On 23 – 26 July, 2017, The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics held its summer school at St Stephen’s House, Oxford in partnership with Respect for Animals on the subject ‘The ethics of Fur’.

Every year more than 60 million animals are killed and sold by the international fur industry. It represents one of the largest uses of animals today. The Summer School examined the ethics of the treatment of animals killed for their fur worldwide, including trapping, hunting, killing, and “farming” of animals. They also considered the use of animal fur products in fashion worldwide.

Papers were invited from academics worldwide on any aspect relating to the ethics of fur, including philosophical and religious ethics, historical, anthropological, legal, psychological, scientific, and sociological perspectives. Topics included the nature of animal suffering in fur production, the international trade in animal fur, methods of killing, the environmental consequences of the international fur industry, the use of fur in fashion, the role of international business, the media promotion of fur, changing legislation, especially in the European Union, and strategies for change.

St Stephen’s House is an Anglican Theological College and a Hall of the University of Oxford. See http://www.ssho.ox.ac.uk/.

Respect for Animals Educational Trust works internationally to raise consciousness of the suffering inherent in the fur trade. Its Director, Mark Glover is the recipient of the Lord Erskine award from the RSPCA. Further information about Respect for Animals can be found at http://www.respectforanimals.co.uk/home/.

The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics was founded in 2006 and pioneers ethical perspectives on animals through academic research, teaching, and publication. See http://www.oxfordanimalethics.com.

On Saturday 8th July 2017 the 14th Interfaith Celebration for Animals was celebrated at Golders Green Unitarians where speakers from many faiths gathered.

The service was organised and led by Rev. Feargus O’Connor M.A. with guest speakers Joyce D’Silva from Compassion in World Farming and Dr Alpesh Patel of Animal Free Research UK.

Readings were given by members of eight major faiths from their faith’s texts.  These included Ajit and Saranjit Singh reading the Sikh text, Dr Alpesh Patel reading the Hindu text, Harshad Sanghrajka reading the Jain text, Michael Allured reading the Unitarian text and Rev. Prof Martin Henig reading the Jewish text.

Delicious vegan food was kindly donated by Mohammed Safa of the Indian Veg Restaurant, Chapel Market, Islington and the organ was played by Mary Craine.  Candles were lit for the world’s animals and the RSPCA.

Everyone is welcome to attend the 14th Interfaith Celebration for Animals on Saturday 8th July 2017 at Golders Green Unitarians, 31 Hoop Lane, Golders Green, London, NW11 8BS.  

The Interfaith Celebration starts at 3.00pm with readings from all the major faiths.  Guest speakers are Joyce D’Silva and Dr Alpesh Patel.  Refreshments will be served at 4.30pm.

For further details and to book a ticket, go to:

https://www.oshwal.org.uk/event/vegan-lifestyle/?instance_id=3545&mc_cid=ab82660423&mc_eid=22196e7fb6&mc_cid=ab82660423&mc_eid=22196e7fb6

All faiths are against hunting for sport.  It is an affront particularly to Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Jains.

Teresa May risks offending and alienating these faith groups by allowing a free vote on repealing the Hunting Act.

The Animal Interfaith Alliance supports the Hunting Act.

The Animal Interfaith Alliance expresses its deepest sympathy for all those involved in yesterday’s terrorist attack at Westminster.  They are in our thoughts and prayers.   

We call on unity between all faiths as we struggle to come to terms with this terrible event.