Wayne Pacelle reveals the religious nature of animal rights in a column published in today’s San Francisco Chronicle . The head of the country’s most powerful—and rich—animal rights organization, the Humane Society of the United States (no connection with local humane societies), Pacelle recounts how Michael Vick has gone from abuser to animal protectionist. The subtext is distinctly religious, indeed Christian, with fall, repentance, redemption, and public witness part of the mix. It ends with this quote:
In a civil society, there must be accountability for grievous actions. But there also must be an embrace of people who are willing and ready to change - even in tough cases, like Michael Vick. We are all sinners when it comes to animals, and we can all do better.
We have all sinned against animals? Substitute God for animals in this piece, and you have a classic Christian message. Yup. animal rights is religion and Wayne Pacelle a high priest of the faith. More analysis over at Secondhand Smoke .
