A group of Chicago-area pastors, led by Reverend Robin Hood and Bishop Claude Porter, have formed Ministers Against Animal Cruelty. The new group aims to expand animal welfare services, resources, education and communication to pet owners in their communities who have not received those kind of support and services before.
“This is the first step on a long journey to educate our clergy and congregations in the state of Illinois,” said Bishop Porter, who is the Chairman of Proviso Township ministerial Alliance Network and Senior Pastor of Proviso Baptist Church. “We are preparing ourselves strategically and methodically to fulfill our mission God called us to do.”
The mission of the group makes it clear that they see a connection between faith and animal protection:
“We have a theological and moral responsibility to respect, preserve and live in harmony with all animal life.
As suggested in scripture: Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature that was its name. (Genesis 2:19)
Therefore, we believe it to be a moral imperative to encourage our fellow ministers and the community at large to display an appreciation and a dignified regard for the animal kingdom that’s been placed into our stewardship. We must join the effort in reaching those who hold an opposing disposition.”
MAAC is at the forefront of faith outreach in the Chicago area in addressing these issues through community events such as pet wellness clinics, which provide free and low-cost veterinary services for cats and dogs.
“There needs to be direct contact with communities throughout the state of Illinois,” said Pastor Hood, who is the Executive Director of MAAC and Pastor of Redeemed Outreach Ministries. “We will start a door-to-door grassroots campaign. We have the knowledge and skills, now we just need the resources.”
The Humane Society of the United States partnered with MAAC to host a free rabies and vaccine clinic at Proviso Missionary Baptist Church on April 9, where hundreds of people lined up with their pets for the services.
MAAC and The HSUS will also host educational workshops to reach at-risk youth, which will include special emphasis on the legal consequences of dogfighting.
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