The Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry (UUAM) empowers individuals, chapters, and congregations to build justice and compassion for animals.
UU St. Pete Animal Ministry became an official chapter of UUAM in March 2024. Our mission is to promote compassion for all animals including companion animals, wildlife, farm animals, and human animals as we care for each other and the earth. We envision a world where all beings can flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.
UU St. Pete Animal Ministry is inspired by the Unitarian Universalist Value of
Interdependence
We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it.
We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation. We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality and justice. We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.
UUA Statement of Conscience on Ethical Eating
This statement was adopted by the 2011 UUA General Assembly after a four-year study and action process.
"Aware of our interdependence, we acknowledge that eating ethically requires us to be mindful of the miracle of life we share with all beings. With gratitude for the food we have received, we strive to choose foods that minimize harm and are protective of the environment, consumers, farmers, and all those involved in food production and distribution."
"We advocate for the benefit of animals, plants, food workers, the environment, and humanity."
ethical eating.pdf
Actions For Animals
Join UU St. Pete Animal Ministry in protecting Florida's Black Bears
Speak Out Against the Return of a Florida Bear Hunt
Per the FWC's Bear Management Program, the two major bear related issues include bears getting into trash, and bears encountering humans as they travel from one forest to another. Securing waste through bear resistant trash cans, and wildlife corridors connecting bear habitats are effective solutions. Hunting has NOT been proven to reduce bear-human conflict.
The last bear hunt in 2015 was cut short after the number of bears allowed to be killed was exceeded in just 48 hours. Lactating mothers made up 21% of bears killed, leading to an estimated 76 to 114 orphaned cubs. Without mothers to guide them, orphaned cubs are more likely to be involved in conflicts with humans.
A January 2022 national survey conducted on behalf of The Humane Society by the Remington Research Group found that 76% of likely 2022 general election voters opposed the trophy hunting of black bears. Voice your opposition by letting the FWC know that Florida does not want another bear hunt!
Actions you can take:
📧 Submit your opposition comments – Email the FWC at BearComments@MyFWC.com and let them know you strongly oppose the renewal of the bear hunt.
💻 Attend the Virtual FWC Public Bear Hunt Comment Meeting – On March 13th at 6 pm, the FWC is holding a virtual public meeting to gather input. Join the meeting by visiting: myfwc.com/hunting/bear/.
Upcoming Events
Pet Loss Support Group:
Friday March 14th at 7pm
When we connect deeply to an animal in our lives, it can be devastating when they are gone. Let's support each other as we navigate our grief.
Feel free to come to just one meeting, or to return every month. Wherever you are in your grieving process, you are welcome.
From Fork to Forest: Why We Can't Solve the Climate Crisis Without Changing How We Eat
Sunday April 13th at 4pm
UU St. Pete in Conway South or via Zoom
Our current system of animal agriculture generates as much greenhouse gas as the entire transportation sector, but no one is talking about it.
Even if we stopped using fossil fuels today, emissions from our food system would still cause the earth to exceed targets. This lively presentation will discuss the under-appreciated impact our food system has on climate and the environment. Learn actions you can take at your very next meal to start changing things for the better.
Designed for a 60 minute time period, including plenty of time for Q&A.
Presented by Anna Larsson and Nicola Philpott.
Register Here for the Zoom Link
Past Events
April 2024
We discussed the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics compared to Unitarian Universalist values, learned some fun facts about common local birds, and had a great time bird watching around Mirror Lake.
Collective Liberation as a Spiritual Practice
September 2024
Sponsored by UU St. Pete Animal Ministry, Racial Justice Team, and Bodily Autonomy Team
We heard from Christopher "Soul" Eubanks – a public speaker, advocate for climate, for people, and for other animals – on the connection between all forms of oppression and the spiritual practice of liberation for all. We watched the speaker via a 20 minute video (from the 2023 UUAM Celebration of the Animals), followed by a discussion about collective liberation.
Contact us!
If you have any questions or comments, please email animal.ministry@uustpete.org
We welcome your involvement and input!
