Confederate Flag–Adorned Window at National Cathedral Could Be Replaced, Courtesy of PETA

Jesus People for Animals Offers to Provide New Stained-Glass Artwork That Promotes Compassion for All of God’s Creation

For Immediate Release:
July 7, 2015

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

The dean of the Washington National Cathedral has called for the cathedral to remove the two stained-glass windows that feature divisive images of the Confederacy. And Jesus People for Animals—PETA’s Christian outreach division—which applauds the move in the interests of unity and brotherhood, is offering to help.

In a letter sent this morning to the Very Rev. Gary Hall, Jesus People for Animals—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—expresses its support of his statement that the new windows should match “our shared aspirations for a diverse, just, and compassionate nation” and offers to replace one of the old windows with a scene that promotes compassion for all living beings, regardless of race, religion, or species. (An image of the proposed window design is available here).

“Christians are called upon to stand up for the marginalized, and that includes the animals who are denied everything that God intended for them and who are slaughtered by the billions for food,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “Jesus People for Animals’ window design is a beautiful testament to God’s love for all creation and a powerful statement about the importance of showing kindness to every living being.”

For more information, please visit JesusPeopleforAnimals.com.

Jesus People for Animals’ letter to the Very Rev. Gary Hall follows.

July 7, 2015

The Very Reverend Gary Hall
Washington National Cathedral

Very Reverend Sir,

I am writing on behalf of Jesus People for Animals, the Christian outreach division of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and as a follower of Jesus. In a recent sermon, you called for the removal of Confederate imagery from the National Cathedral’s stained-glass windows and said that new images should match “our shared aspirations for a diverse, just, and compassionate nation.” We couldn’t agree more, and we would be honored to sponsor a replacement window that promotes compassion and respect for all God’s creation.

As we learn from the life of Jesus, Christians are called to stand up for the marginalized and downtrodden. That means promoting a culture of respect for everyone, including the animals who are suffering right now on severely crowded factory farms, in burning-hot transport trucks, and in blood-filled slaughterhouses. Today, pigs are mercilessly castrated, cows are branded with hot irons, and chickens have part of their sensitive beaks seared off with a hot blade—all without any painkillers. In slaughterhouses, animals are hung upside down, their legs are slammed into shackles, and their throats are cut, often while they’re still conscious. Many never feel the warmth of the sun, form friendships, roam free, or do any of the other things that God intended for them.

The stained-glass window we are proposing would promote a diverse, just, and compassionate world as well as shine a light on our duty to give loving stewardship to all creation. Since it first opened its doors, the National Cathedral has boldly confronted the nation’s most pressing moral and social issues, and we look forward to hearing that you will expand the circle of compassion to include animals. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Taylor D. Radig
Christian Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Jesuspeopleforanimals.com