Interfaith Voices For Animals

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hillsborough (UUCH) hosted a symposium titled “Interfaith Voices For Animals: Faith Perspectives On Animal Protection” on Sunday, October 5, 2025. This event featured six speakers from diverse faith traditions who explored the role of faith in protecting animals from exploitation.

The panel featured representatives from the Buddhist, Unitarian Universalist, Jewish, Pagan, Jain, and Christian traditions. Each speaker shared insights on how their faith tradition informs their commitment to animal protection. 

Thanks to a grant from the Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry (UUAM), this event was free to attend, and also included a free vegan lunch and free childcare for those who pre-registered.

Animal Justice at UUCH is guided by the UU Shared Value of Interdependence, which reads: “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.” Through this symposium, we aimed to foster a deeper understanding of how spiritual beliefs can inspire action for animal justice.

Questions? Comments? Email Justice@uuchnc.org

Symposium Speakers

Jain
 

A scientist, innovator and social entrepreneur, Sudhir Shah has been a student of various philosophical and spiritual traditions including Jain philosophy for over thirty years. He has served the global Jain community as pathshala (Sunday School) coordinator, teacher, and held various executive roles with national Jain non-profits. He is also a founding member of Yale global leadership initiative and South Asian studies council at Yale. Sudhir is a regular speaker at Jain Study Center of NC. He has conducted numerous talks and workshops nationally and internationally on diverse topics: from Jainism, spirituality, meditation, interfaith dialogue, conflict resolution & personal empowerment to health, wellness, diet, nutrition, vegan lifestyle & social entrepreneurship, even art and photography.

Buddhist
Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Van Voorhees, Shambhala Center

Liz is an Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University and a Staff Psychologist in the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System. (Her views and opinions do not reflect those of the United States Government.) She is a member of NCAAU (North Carolina Animal Advocates United) and has worked with the Mayor’s Office and City Council, the Durham Public Schools System, and local agencies and business to organize the Bull City Mayor’s Veganuary Challenge.

Pagan
Susan Baylies, Eno River CUUPS

Susan Baylies is the Co-leader of Eno River CUUPS [Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans], and a member of the Eno River UU Fellowship in Durham. She has been a pagan for all of her adult life. As Susan says, “A nearly universal tenet in Paganism is ‘An it harm none, do what ye will.’ Most pagans believe that all beings have spirits and consciousness. When we say ‘the Earth is our Mother and we must take care of her.’ that includes all of earth – plants, animals, land, water, and air.”  
 

Christian
Anna O’Neal, St. Thomas More Catholic Church

Anna is the founder of Jenna and Friends Animal Sanctuary, a small refuge for rescued pigs in Chapel Hill, NC. Her mission is to provide lifelong care for farm animals in need, inspire others to start grassroots rescues with limited resources, and educate the public about the realities of factory farming. For over 10 years, Anna has built community partnerships, collaborated with local students and advocacy groups, and used her skills as a technical writer to spread awareness, both through media and an upcoming children’s book about her animals’ whimsical adventures.

Jewish
Dr. Geoffrey Claussen, Elon University

Geoff is an ordained rabbi and Professor of Religious Studies at Elon University specializing in Jewish perspectives on ethics and theology, including animal ethics. 

 

 

Unitarian Universalist
Chris Holbein, The Community Church of Chapel Hill Unitarian Universalist

Chris is employed as the Director of Public and Corporate Policy for Farm Animal Protection at Humane World for Animals. They are also a member of NCAAU.