The Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry has developed the Reverence for Life program to assist UUs interested in exploring human relationships to other animals. Grounded in UU principles and our rich religious and philosophical traditions, the program aims to deepen our awareness of these moral questions as we examine our own beliefs, consider the work of other religious and ethical individuals, and begin to shape a vision of liberation that includes all creation.

The Reverence for Life Program supports congregations in the process of covenanting with each other to be on a path of learning more about the inherent worth and dignity of every being and becoming advocates for all life. Following this step, congregations may seek Certification as a Reverence for Life Congregation, similar to the Green Sanctuary Program. Currently we are working with 4 Pilot Congregations and in January 2012 we will open this program to all congregations.

The Reverence for Life Manual is part of a trio of resources that compose the Reverence for Life Program. Its complements are the Seeking Circle Sessions Guide and the Reverence for Life Team. The manual is divided into two sections, with three appendices. Using the prism of our faith, the Introduction to the program examines the issues of institutionalized animal abuse, mistreatment, and exploitation deeply embedded in a wide range of familiar spheres of daily living. This systematic cruelty often is so visible, so customary and so prevalent that it is accepted by many without examination. The authors intend that this section might disquiet the readers, startle them and move them to raise questions about how, with heightened awareness, Unitarian Universalists in general, and these readers in particular, can begin to end these unconscionable practices and make our world a more compassionate home for all beings, human and nonhuman.

The second section provides a map for this journey. The diagram shows the process that a typical congregation will follow. The remainder of the section guides the participants on a path that leads to the options of Congregational Reverence for Life Covenant and Congregational Reverence for Life Certification. The section includes recommendations for adult, youth, and child exploration of multispecies questions. Suggestions for successful leadership and self care are made. Resource recommendations are included to assist individuals and congregations as they move more deeply into exploration of the relationships between humans and other animals and begin to refine their multispecies ethic.

Appendix A provides additional, non-annotated supporting resources including blogs, podcasts and other electronic offerings. Appendix C provides a historical context for this moral imperative of our time. All participants are encouraged to thoughtfully complete the Reverence for Life Participant Feedback Form in Appendix B, contributing to future revisions of this manual.

 View the Reverence For Life Manual.

For more information, contact the Reverence for Life Team at amoloros@juno.com.