Time for an apology and a correction. In the last update I wrote that “While the number of vegans has not increased substantially over the last 10 years....” This was stated as fact at the recent conference I attended.

From the research I was able to find, Veg Resource Group found that 2.3% were vegetarian in 2000; 2.8% in 2004. Then in 2008, according to Vegetarian Times, 3.2% of American adults were vegetarian, and of those, .5% were vegan. Veg Resource Group reported in 2011 that 5% were vegetarian and of those half or 2.5% were vegan.

So clearly the number of vegans has increased significantly in just 12 years. My apologies for the error. The truth is much more encouraging. That increase of more than 2%, along with the many non-vegans who are eating fewer animals, has saved the lives of one half billion animals at least.

This week let us give thanks to the many activists (including you) who have so tirelessly worked to teach the simple, tender truth that all beings everywhere deserve love, compassion, freedom, and LIFE.

If you haven’t already done so, please join us at the Prayer Circle for Animals facebook page.

With Love, peace, and gratitude from Judy, and Will, Madeleine, and the Circle of Compassion team.