Quaker Concern for Animals and The Retreat Animal Sanctuary in Kent will be holding an inter-species Meeting for Worship on Sunday 21st October 2018. The silent Meeting will be held at the sanctuary alongside its animal residents to encourage thought and reflection about the role that non-human animals can play in our spiritual and ethical communities.
photo courtesy of The Retreat Animal Sanctuary
This is an inclusive event, open to people of all (or no) faiths. There is of course no charge, but so we have a clear idea of numbers please kindly register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inter-species-meeting-for-worship-tickets-51284429108
Quaker Meetings for Worship involve a gathering of people sitting in silence, with those in the meeting occasionally speaking (giving ministry) if they feel moved to. Everyone in a Quaker meeting is considered equal, and all are allowed to give ministry if they feel called to. You can find more info about how we worship here: https://www.quaker.org.uk/about-quakers/our-faith/how-quakers-worship.
Quakers believe in that everyone has that of God in them, regardless of their race, gender, age, or background. At Quaker Concern for Animals, we believe that this ‘everyone’ need not apply exclusively to the human species. Other creatures are also deserving of love, compassion, and integrity. Because of this, we wish to encourage reflection about what it means to love other animals, in light of the Quaker testimonies of peace, truth, and equality. By inviting other species into our worship, we hope to learn more about what this might mean for us and our relationships with non-human animals.
The structure of the day will be as follows, but please be aware that these timings are subject to alteration:
- 11:00-11:30 – arrive at The Retreat, where we can meet in the café
- 11:30-12:00 – brief walk around the sanctuary
- 12:00-13:00 – Meeting for Worship
- 13:00-14:00 – tea/coffee
If you have accessibility requirements or any questions, concerns or requests, please email us at clerk@quaker-animals.co.uk.