Animals
& Religion

Animals
& Religion

Sacred texts across religions teach kindness and reverence for life, yet animals continue to suffer in their name.

For those seeking to live their faith more deeply,
alignment begins here.

Buddhism

Buddhism

Showing Compassion

Buddhist philosophy teaches non-harm, compassion, and interconnection, shaping a path of kindness toward all living beings.

Explore Buddhism
Christianity

Christianity

Following Jesus

Scripture invites Christians to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, calling for compassionate and attentive care for those neglected or overlooked by others.

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Confucianism

Confucianism

Fostering Humaneness

Confucian teachings invite the cultivation of benevolence as an essential trait for being truly human, encouraging a wider circle of compassion.

Explore Confucianism
Daoism

Daoism

Living in Harmony

Daoist philosophy emphasizes harmony with the natural world and non-interference that extends across species, urging peaceful relations with animals.

Explore Daoism
Hinduism

Hinduism

Respecting all Life

All living beings carry the divine essence and are interconnected through karma and reincarnation, encouraging a sense of unity and respect for all life.

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Indigenous

Indigenous Traditions

Living as Relatives

Many indigenous traditions understand animals as our relatives, inviting relations shaped by respect and responsibility.

Explore Indigenous Traditions
Islam

Islam

Honoring Viceregency

In Islam, all beings belong to God, who has entrusted humankind with viceregency, a trust that calls for mercy, justice, and care for animals.

Explore Islam

Jainism

Jainism

Avoiding Harm

Nonviolence is a core Jain teaching that guides day-to-day life, inviting thoughtful and compassionate coexistence with all living beings.

Explore Jainism

Judaism

Judaism

Serving God

In Jewish sacred writings, everything that exists is God’s and we are God’s servants, encouraging responsible care and kindness for God’s creatures.

Explore Judaism

For Different Callings

Whether you are part of a faith community, working to create change, or studying religion and ethics...

People of Faith

Deepen how faith calls us to care for all creatures

Activists

Engage with faith communities and advance pathways for change

Scholars

Examine theological perspectives on our relationship with animals

Learn more

  • "Building on Tapestry’s already stunning work for animals, this new Animals & Religion Website is a major contribution."

    Judy McCoy Carman, M.A.
    Author and Co-founder of Interfaith Vegan Coalition

  • "As a Muslim environmentalist and animal rights advocate, I strongly support creating the groundbreaking Animals & Religion Website, which fills a critical gap, offering a scholarly, systematic, and well-vetted exploration of animals in every major religion."

    Ibrahim Ozdemir
    Professor of Philosophy,
    President, Uskudar University Forum on Environmental Ethic

  • "People have increasingly relied on the internet for information and there has long been a need for the Animals & Religion Website."

    Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.
    Chair, Christian Vegetarian Association

  • "Tapestry’s Animals & Religion Website is very much needed... essential for efforts to reduce climate threats and future pandemics, ...and the current massive mistreatment of animals."

    Richard H. Schwartz, Ph.D.
    Author, President Emeritus of Jewish Vegetarians of North America,  
    co-founder and coordinator of the Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians,
    and Professor Emeritus at College of Staten Island

  • "The movement for animal justice can’t get the traction it needs for widespread cultural transformation without capturing the imaginations of the world’s 5.8 billion religious people."

    Matthew C. Halteman, Ph.D.
    Professor of Philosophy, Calvin University

  • "The Animals & Religion Website is a valuable addition to the campaign to end the massive abuse of animals for food."

    Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.
    Chair, Christian Vegetarian Association

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