in this issue:
"Recovering our Kinship with Animals"

The church and the animal movement
The beginning of a revolution? / Growing numbers of Christian activists and scholars are re-examining the human relationship with animals. In a sidebar interview, activist-theologian Carol Adams describes a feminist-vegetarian ethic. – by Marianne Arbogast. Also in Spanish

Animal voices
Does the recent spate of "talking-animal" movies mean the animals are trying to tell us something? – by Bruce Campbell

Holding a world in balance
An interview with Linda Hogan / A Chickasaw writer talks about traditional indigenous relationships with animals. An excerpt from her essay, "First People," from her book, Intimate Nature: The Bond Between Women and Animals, is included. – by Camille Colatosti

Horses, healing and liberation
Beginning a therapeutic riding center / A feminist theologian writes about her decision to open "Free Rein," a therapeutic horseback-riding program, reflecting on the connection between pastoral and political work. In a companion piece, she describes how "the horse is the priest." – by Carter Heyward

‘Inseeing’: the monks and dogs of New Skete
A community of Eastern Orthodox monks in upstate New York have found that their work of breeding and training dogs enriches their own spiritual practice. – by Morgan Van Wyck

Losing Heaven
"Love knows no boundaries," even when that love is for a dog. – by Irene Monroe

Departments

Keeping Watch
Because justice doesn’t just ‘happen’ by Julie A. Wortman

Editorial Note
‘A world of unending relationship’ by Marianne Arbogast

Reflection
Genesis 9:12—16

Book Review:
Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home by Rupert Sheldrake – by Marianne Arbogast

Short Takes

Since 1917, The Witness has been examining church and society in light of faith and conscience – advocating for those denied systemic power as well as celebrating those who, in theologian William Stringfellow’s words, have found ways to "live humanly in the midst of death." With deep roots in the Episcopal Church, we are a journal of spiritual questing and theology in practice, always ready to hold our own cherished beliefs and convictions up to scrutiny.

Manuscripts: We welcome multiple submissions. Given our small staff, writers and artists receive a response only when we are able to publish.

Manuscripts will not be returned.