As a Prayer Circle we are enormously capable of energizing and revealing the miraculous, and by “miraculous” I mean that which is true and real. Also as a Prayer Circle we have a responsibility to do just that.
As we are all aware, the Animal Rights movement is experiencing some bitter divisiveness over the issue of abolition vs. welfare. While we each have our own opinions on the practical effectiveness of each approach to liberating animals, and while we each will choose the various actions we will take, nevertheless as a Circle, we can be united in prayer and thought. I see a serious need here for us to join together and visualize that this division can and will lead to new insights, new approaches, and a greater sense of purpose and unity than Animal Rights has ever had before.
Norm Phelps has just released his new book, Changing the Game. In it he discusses the crisis point to which we have come. Norm acknowledges that, of all the social justice movements, animal liberation is by far the most difficult ever undertaken. It is no wonder that the abolition vs. welfare debate is becoming so heated. Norm’s book will be one of the fulcrum points around which this debate will turn, and it will help to generate new, more cohesive and effective strategies to bring an end to the exploitation of animals.
I would like to propose that we take this week to focus our prayer energy on a vision of the animal rights movement holding the tension between the two strategies…and holding the tension… and studying, meeting, debating, remaining above personality conflicts, above egoic motives, and then… Let us envision new form rising out of this chaos and powerful new ideas and actions rising up that move the consciousness of humanity to finally see the truth of who animals really are. Let us know that the animals need each passionate one of us and let us bless each passionate one of us with strength, peace, clear vision, and a sense of undeniable unity for the challenging journey ahead.
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.