All Creatures Great and Small

Episcopalians are not different than other people in their love for animals. As one of the bishop’s Sacred Initiatives, the Animal Ministry seeks to connect people to animals, helping both.

It looks different depending on where it is. For some churches, it has been to provide access to pet vaccines for its community. For others, it has meant providing good homes to shelter animals. In all examples, the animal ministry is tapping into an audience of people that love their animals but may not attend church. St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Whitemarsh is one of the first churches to adopt the animal ministry. They have created a partnership with Home at Last and Stray Cat Blues to bring in adoptable animals - finding homes for at least 44 animals and encouraging people to foster for both organizations. In addition, the church is exploring ways to give shelter dogs a break by allowing them (with trained volunteers) to come to the church’s campus for the day.

To explore your own animal ministry, contact us.