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

Do not kill

Buddhist teachings emphasize non-harm, compassion, and interconnection across all forms of life, inviting mindfulness as to how we relate to animals in both thought and practice.

Explore Buddhism
Christianity

Christianity

A CALL TO LOVE

Christian teachings speak of love, mercy, and care for creation. These values invite reflection on how we relate to animals as fellow creations of God across Scripture, tradition, and lived practice.

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Confucianism

Confucianism

we are innately kind

Confucian thought emphasizes moral cultivation, benevolence, and harmony. These teachings extend beyond human relationships, inviting reflection on how kindness and responsibility apply to all living beings.

Explore Confucianism
Daoism

Daoism

ALL BEINGS FOLLOW DAO

Daoist teachings emphasize harmony with the natural world, simplicity, and non-interference. Within this view, animals are fellow participants in the unfolding of reality.

Explore Daoism
Hinduism

Hinduism

We are all one

Hindu traditions emphasize unity across species, grounded in the understanding that the same divine essence flows through all. This invites a deeper awareness of how we live with animals.

Explore Hinduism
Indigenous

Indigenous Traditions

We are all kin

Many Indigenous traditions view humans and animals as equals and kin. Animals are our relatives and teachers, calling for our respect.

Explore Indigenous Traditions
Islam

Islam

CREATION AS A TRUST

In Islam, all beings belong to God. Humans are entrusted with responsibility for creation, inviting reflection on how we live with animals to fulfil this trust.

Explore Islam

Jainism

Jainism

Do not harm

Nonviolence is central to Jain philosophy, calling for coexistence rooted in deep care for all living beings. This invites us to think about how our actions affect animals.

Explore Jainism

Judaism

Judaism

CREATION BEGINS IN PEACE

Jewish teachings describe a harmonious world that belongs to God. Humans are to serve God on this earth. Across texts and traditions, these teachings invite reflection on how we live with animals today.

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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