The proclamation, which provides extensive scriptural citation, asserts, \u201cGod has given all animals the breath of life, that He sustains them\u201d\u00a6 they belong ultimately to Him, and\u201d\u00a6 He has declared them \u201d\u02dcgood,\u2019 indicating they have value to Him independent of human use.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Many conservative evangelicals bristle at the mention of the animal rights movement because they believe it puts humans and animals on equal footing. But the evangelical statement is unequivocal that humans hold a unique status in creation. In fact, it\u2019s this special status that demands humans practice extra care with all of God\u2019s creation. The signatories affirmed the belief that, \u201call animals ultimately belong to God, are sustained by Him, and exist to bring Him praise and reveal His character.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Also being announced today is the launch of the \u201cEvery Living Thing\u201d\u009d initiative, which will begin a year-long effort to engage Christians in dialogue around the biblical mandate to care for animals.<\/p>\n