Why Faith and Animal Welfare Go Together
Faith and animal welfare share a strong bond. Many religions teach us to care for animals. They see animals as part of creation. This belief encourages kindness to animals.
People of faith often feel it’s their duty to protect animals. Animal welfare is not just about laws, it’s about compassion and empathy.
All animals (companion animals, barnyard friends, native wildlife, endangered species, birds and marine creatures – should all live happy and free lives). Religious stories often feature animals. They show us animals are important.
Saint Francis of Assisi (above) was a real party boy in his native Italy, before giving up his wealthy lifestyle, to become the patron Catholic saint of animals and ecology.
Even small acts of kindness to animals can make a big difference. So, how can we help animals today? We can start by being gentle and making kind choices. Respect animals as we do people. This way, faith guides us in creating a caring world for all creatures.
Faith often inspires us to act from our hearts. It’s a guiding light that shapes how we interact with the world around us.
When it comes to animal welfare, the compassionate principles ingrained in many religious beliefs encourage us to show kindness to all living beings. But how do these teachings translate into our actions? Let’s explore this fascinating interconnection.
Catholic Concern for Animals is a charity concerned with animal welfare issues, with its own magazine The Ark about the latest issues worldwide. It also offers free animal welfare education resources.
Creature Kind is dedicated to including animal welfare within the Christian faith. Churches can download a six-week course, and there is a Friendly Food Challenge Toolkit, to encourage plant-based meals at Christian camps.
Anglian Society for the Welfare of Animals offers an annual award for animal-friendly churches, online sermons and a free magazine for members on animal welfare issues. Free resources are available as free downloads for Animal Welfare Sunday service.
Compassion in World Farming is staffed by vets who want bans on religious slaughter, replaced by alternative methods of slaughter (it’s fine for people following Jewish or Islamic to be vegan).
Books on Animal-Friendly Faith
Franciscan Field Guide is an overview of the Franciscan arm of the Catholic church, of course influenced by St Francis of Assisi, an Italian saint of animal welfare and ecology, who in his previous life was a real party boy!
Along with close friend St Clare of Assisi, these saints can restore your faith, if dismayed by the way the modern church treats animals.
Saint Kevin And the Blackbird is a child’s retelling of a little-known story of a Celtic saint. One morning, Kevin the monk is praying and thanking the Creator for playing otters and singing larks near the rocky shore by Glendalough monastery.
Then a blackbird lands in his cupped hands, to build a nest. The story goes (supported by the other monks) that he remained motionless (like a tree), until the fledglings safely hatched and left the nest (takes about two weeks).
Lessons in Compassion: St Francis of Assisi
St Francis of Assisi loved deeply. He cared not only for people but also for animals and nature. He’s a powerful reminder that kindness ripples outwards and shapes the world around us.
Francis came from wealth but chose a simple life. He dropped comfort and pride for humility. This shift freed him to focus on others, not things.
Today, in a culture full of “more, better, faster,” his story shows how less can mean more. Learning to live simply can lead to greater peace and stronger connections.
Known as the patron saint of animals, Francis respected every creature. He saw animals as friends and the whole earth as family. His example speaks to our duty to care for the world and each other.
Protecting the environment and treating others with respect starts with the smallest acts—much like Francis did.
Faith in Action: St Clare of Assisi
St Clare stood out for her strength and clear sense of purpose. She didn’t back down, even when facing pressure and uncertainty.
Clare’s life shows the power of sticking to your beliefs. She escaped a life set out for her to follow her calling, even when it meant hardship. Her courage inspires us to hold onto our values, no matter the odds.
Clare didn’t just step out on her own—she brought others with her. She founded the Poor Clares, a group that gave women new ways to grow, serve, and lead. Her example proves you can change your world by lifting up those around you.
Applying the Saints’ Lessons Today
The saints’ values aren’t locked in the past—they fit daily life:
- Show everyday compassion. Smile at strangers, check in on a friend, and help where you can.
- Practice simplicity. Clear clutter, manage your time, and focus on what matters most.
- Stand by your values. Speak up for what’s right, even when it’s tough.
- Build others up. Support team members or neighbours, lead with kindness.
- Give back locally. Volunteer or help someone in need to strengthen your community.
