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"There is nothing noble about being superior to another living thing." (Hindu Scriptures)
WELCOME!
What is Animal Chaplaincy or Animal Ministry?
The definitions of "Chaplain" and "Minister" in Roget's Thesaurus, list the following ~
"...shepherd, servant to all God's creatures..."
And, in Webster's New World Dictionary there are these definitions ~
"...a minister, priest. or rabbi serving in a religious capacity, performing services in public institutions, chapels, on the battlefront, in hospitals, privately, to all that is created..."
In other words, a Chaplain or Minister is an ordained individual doing God's work anywhere, for all God's creatures. And if we take these definitions a bit further, it could be said that those who are not ordained professionals, also 'minister' to others. Meaning ~ we all have "ministered" to people and animals in our lives ~ whether through a kind word, a calm listening ear, a pat on the back, a rub on an upturned furry belly, and so forth. And so, here at Anam Cara Ministries, we currently provide Animal Ministry programs for everyone ~ ordained and lay person alike ~ because many are called to animal ministry and we are here to help make that possible.
Currently, our programs are adult education courses, (meaning no university/college accreditation) but that makes them no less important or needed for our world today. They are also interfaith ~ meaning, anyone interested in our programs should be open and willing to be objective and accepting to work with those belonging to any faith.
Look at it this way. No matter what your faith is, no matter what religion you subscribe to, no matter what your spiritual ideals, keep in mind that animals do not have religion...but they do know God. How you might ask? Because God created them! Very simple. And so, since animals do not subscribe to any particular doctrine, our programs are geared toward ministering from that simple, spiritual, foundation as well.
The time has now come for those of you who are called to animal ministry to make your presence known, and to teach others, by your loving example, that it is "ok" ~ more so, necessary for society to start to accept :
- that our pet are family members
- they are treated as such with love and respect
- all animals have souls
- all animals go to Heaven
- and that any service we extend toward our beloved pets, and any one of our partners in the Animal Kingdom, is what we are meant to do.
Meaning that, as teachers in the small but growing field of animal ministry, we should be willing to set an example for others that every living thing is created by God ~ and therefore should be respected as such, and cared for in the same way. And that is what our programs are all about. Our programs are for anyone wishing to begin ~ or enhance ~ their non-denominational or interfaith desire to become more involved in animal ministry.
Come inside and visit ~ you'll be glad you did!
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