Statement of the Public Relations Department of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan on Humane Treatment of Animals

At the present time, a public discussion concerning the humane treatment of animals is taking place within Kazakhstani society.

In response to appeals from animal rights advocates, the Public Relations Department of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan notes that the issue raised concerns an important sphere of mankind’s moral responsibility for the surrounding world.

In the Christian understanding, man is called to be the steward of God’s creation: “And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Gen. 2:15).

In this regard, the Orthodox Church cannot share an approach that presumes the destruction of animals as the primary or acceptable means of resolving the existing problem. Holy Scripture reminds us: “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast” (Prov. 12:10), which testifies to the moral significance of compassionate treatment toward every living creature.

At the same time, it should be noted that the issue under consideration is complex in nature and involves matters of public safety, sanitary well-being, and the responsibility of governmental authorities. Under such circumstances, society must strive to seek balanced and compromise-based solutions founded upon the principles of humanity, reasonableness, and responsibility.

In its preaching and educational ministry, the clergy of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan consistently draws attention to the need for cultivating a culture of mercy and what may be termed ecological wisdom – a careful and responsible attitude toward the world entrusted by God to mankind.

We express our gratitude for your conscientious civic position and your attention to issues of important moral significance.

Head of the Public Relations Department

of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District

Archpriest Alexander Suvorov