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Christians are among those who have spoken out against what they see as the unethical way in which animals are left unprotected against foot and mouth disease, which has led to the present mass cull.

A leading Catholic publication, the Tablet, quoted Deborah Jones of the Catholic Study Circle of Animal Welfare as saying that animal welfare was being sacrificed to economics. Animals could be inexpensively inoculated against foot and mouth disease, Jones pointed out, but this had been avoided so that the country could claim a clean bill of health for exports.

Jones was pleased, however, that the crisis had at least provoked a debate "at long last."

John Oliver, Anglican bishop of Hereford, in the west of England, has urged the British government not to hold elections in May. Describing the fate of rural communities, Bishop Oliver told BBC radio that many rural people would not be able to vote if the general election was held soon. He added: "The sense of isolation is terrible. We are doing what we can in the churches to make contact with people and send messages of good will, but I think [delaying the election] will be helpful to those caught up in the crisis to feel that they are being taken seriously. The postponement of the elections would be a recognition of just how serious the position is."

Copyright © 2001 ENI.

One of the hoof-and-mouth-oriented prayers offered by the Church of England begins, "Eternal God, our loving Creator, look with compassion on those whose life's work is in ashes and all who are caught up in the crisis affecting our farming communities."

Other media stories on churches' response to the hoof and mouth disease include:

A mission to support farming community - The Scotsman (Mar. 28, 2001)

Churches offer prayers and £3m in cash - The Times (Mar. 26, 2001)

Archbishop prays for farmers - BBC (Mar. 25, 2001)

Archbishops launch fundraising drive for farmers - Ananova (Mar. 21, 2001)

Church blames Queen for disasters - The Times (Mar. 12, 2001)

Church services cut to limit risk - The Times (Mar. 2, 2001)

For more news developments and resources, see Yahoo's full coverage area.

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March (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45