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
Upcoming Events
Pet Loss Support Group:
Friday February 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.
Writing for Animals Webinar
Sunday February 23rd, 2025 at 4pm ET
UUAM is sponsoring a free online class on writing op-eds about animal issues for local newspapers. Leading the class will be Julie Knopp, a writer and animal advocate with an MA in Teaching, who currently works as Director of Communications for an international development organization and is also a Board Member of the Minneapolis-based Compassionate Action for Animals.
Op-eds are one of the most read parts of any newspaper—often on par with front-page news. They are valuable not just in raising the general public’s awareness of animal issues but will also be read by policymakers and key leaders of the community. Efforts like this do make a difference.
“Writing for Animals” is a one-time class for anyone who wants to make a difference with their writing. In this free Zoom session, you’ll learn:
Why writing for animals matters
Writing tips and tricks for compelling readers to action
How to write, pitch, and publish an op-ed in the news
Other strategies for getting animal issues (or any cause you care about) in the news
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!
