Why do so few Christians talk about animals—and what might happen if we did? In this honest and thought-provoking interview, philosopher and theologian Simon Kittle reflects on his journey towards a deeper compassion for all creatures. Drawing on insights from his new book God and Non-Human Animals, Simon explores the blind spots in Christian thinking, the emotional cost of change, and why the Church still finds it hard to take animal suffering seriously. Challenging but full of grace, his words invite us to rethink what faithfulness really looks like in a world shared with fellow creatures.
Animal Suffering
Aspiring journalist and broadcaster Olivia Bridgen explores the ongoing cruelty of greyhound racing in the UK and calls on Christians to reflect the compassion of their faith by speaking out for God’s voiceless creatures.
Dr Daniela Rizzo, Associate Lecturer in Systematic Theology at Alphacrucis University College, Sydney, explores the presence of the Spirit within the animal world in this beautifully reflective piece. Drawing on her research in animal theology and pneumatology, Dr Rizzo invites us to reimagine the creatures around us as vital participants in God’s living world, animated and sustained by the breath of God.
How does the media shape the way we think about animals? Why do we see some as food and others as companions? This article explores the hidden power of media in reinforcing societal norms that justify animal exploitation—and how vegan campaigners are using storytelling, activism, and strategic messaging to challenge these narratives. By uncovering the ways media obscures animal suffering and examining how advocacy can reframe the conversation, we explore the opportunities and challenges of shifting public perception toward a more compassionate world.
In this thought-provoking piece, the Revd Dr Jan Goodair challenges us to rethink the language we use to describe our relationship with animals. Moving beyond the limitations of ‘dominion’ and ‘stewardship,’ she invites us to embrace new models rooted in fellowship, companionship, and hospitality. With theological insight and practical vision, Jan explores how these concepts can transform the way we value and care for the other-than-human members of God’s creation.
As Christians gathered to explore how faith informs their response to pressing global issues, animal concerns emerged as a crucial yet often overlooked area for compassionate action. From Dr Dustin Crummet’s compelling theological insights on why animal advocacy is an essential part of Christian impact to Thom Norman’s strategic insights into tackling factory farming, the conference highlighted a renewed commitment to seeing animals as part of God’s beloved creation.
Dr Philip J. Sampson FOCAE, writer and lecturer on animals and animal ethics explores John Calvin’s teachings on animals and considers how we might apply them today in making our food choices.
Although eating turkey has become synonymous with Christmas in the UK, could revelations about the appalling conditions in which these birds are raised lead us to reconsider how we celebrate this Christian tradition? With these revelations hitting the headlines, this season might present an opportunity for Christians to reflect on whether turkeys belong on the Christmas dinner table.
The Revd Tom Harris reflects upon his childhood struggles of having to suppress his compassion towards animals, his eye-opening experience of watching Cowspiracy and how faith informed and supported his vegan journey.
Philip Lymbery, chief executive of Compassion in World Farming, discusses his latest book Sixty Harvests Left which details the appalling impact of industrial farming on climate change, the urgent need to reform our food systems and what practical steps can be taken to avoid a climate catastrophe and greatly reduce animal suffering.