ResolutionsThe Episcopal Church's PositionThe following resolution was adopted by the Episcopal Church's General Convention in 2003. Resolution D016Topic/Title: Stewardship: The Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 74th General Convention recognize that responsible care of animals falls within the stewardship of creation; and be it further Resolved, That the Episcopal Church encourage its members to ensure that husbandry methods for captive and domestic animals would prohibit suffering in such conditions as puppy mills, and factory-farms; and be it further Resolved, That the Episcopal Church’s Peace and Justice Office identify existing guidelines to educate its members to adhere to ethical standards in the care and treatment of animals; and be it further Resolved, That the Episcopal Church, through its Office of Government Relations, identify and advocate for legislation protecting animals and effective enforcement measures. _______________________________________________ The Worldwide Anglican ResponseIn 1998 the Lambeth Conference adopted the following resolution.Resolution 1.8 CreationThis conference: (a) reaffirms the biblical vision of creation according to which: Creation is a web of inter dependent relationships bound together in the covenant which God the Holy Trinity has established with the whole earth and every living being.(i) the divine Spirit is sacramentally present in creation, which is therefore to be treated with reverence, respect and gratitude; (ii) human beings are both co-partners with the rest of creation and living bridges between heaven and earth, with responsibility to make personal & corporate sacrifices for the common good of all creation; (iii) the redemptive purpose of God in Jesus Christ extends to the whole of creation.
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