About the Centre
Animal Theology, written by the Revd Professor Andrew Linzey, is now available in nine languages, including Spanish, Italian, Croatian, Polish, Hungarian, and Japanese, with the Portuguese edition out now. The book is published by Lux Mundi Edições and has been admirably translated by Katia Mendonca.
The landmark book challenges traditional negative views on animals found within Christianity and shows how theology can actually provide a strong basis for animal rights.
The situation regarding animals in Portuguese speaking countries could not be more critical, but there are signs of growing awareness. For example, In Brazil animals are included within the Department of Animal Protection, Defense, and Rights in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. In Portugal the inclusion of animal rights within the country’s constitution makes cruelty to animals, at least to companion animals, a crime.
Linzey argues that these developments are to be welcomed, but of course they do not go far enough. Thoughtful and conscientious people continue to press for more reforms and for the wider recognition of the rights of non-human creatures.
“But why do the churches not speak out on this major moral issue? It is after all an issue that involves cruelty and abuse and touches on major Christian doctrines of compassion and responsibility for creation.”
He continues, “This book sets out the theological case for Christians to take the issue of animals seriously and to be on the right side both of history and their own doctrines. After a
Katia Mendonca at the launch of the book at the Anglican Cathedral of St. Mary, in Belém do Pará
ll, Christians believe that animals are God’s creatures. They are entrusted to our care. The Creator has rights to have creatures treated with respect, which is the specifically theological basis of speaking of animal rights. Cruelty to animals is a sin before God.”
“It is remarkable that this book, originally published in 1994, has found readers throughout the world. What was regarded as a marginal issue has now become mainstream and theologians worldwide are seriously taking up the issues raised by the book,” said Linzey.
A trailer for the book is available on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCkqKNJvTBc
The book is available in paperback and Kindle editions from https://a.co/d/0bmAiWT5
Instagram coverage of the book launch is available here.
Notes to Editors:
The Revd Professor Andrew Linzey and Katia Mendonca are available for interview/comment.
Images can be downloaded here.
For media enquiries please contact Dorothea at Panpathic Communications – Dorothea@panpathic.com
About the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics
The Revd Professor Andrew Linzey is Director of the Oxford Centre for Animals and has been a member of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Oxford for 28 Years. He has been described by the late Bishop of Salisbury, John Austin Baker, as “the greatest living writer on theology and animals”. He has produced more than 40 books, including Why Animal Suffering Matters (2009) and Animal Theologians (2023), both published by Oxford University Press.
The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics is an independent centre pioneering ethical perspectives on animals through academic research, teaching, and publication. The Centre comprises more than 100 academic Fellows worldwide.
Web: www.oxfordanimalethics.com/home
Instagram: @oxfordanimalethics
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oxfordanimalethics
LinkedIn: Dr Clair Linzey – https://www.linkedin.com/in/clair-linzey-ab012272/