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Launch of Creatures of the Same God

14th June 2007

The publication of Creatures of the Same God: Explorations in Animal Theology by Revd Dr Andrew Linzey tomorrow (15 June) marks a historic day for the University of Winchester – it is the first publication from the new Winchester University Press.

Considered “the greatest living writing on theology and animals” by Bishop John Austin Baker, Dr Linzey’s book further develops the influential work he has produced in the area of animal theology over three decades.

“Dr Linzey began writing on theology and animals long before it were thought fashionable,” explains Professor Elizabeth Stuart, Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer at the University and Titles Editor of Winchester University Press. “He has truly been a trail blazer, asking questions that few other theologians have dared to ask and encouraging new generations of scholars.

“Creatures of the Same God is a great book,” Professor Stuart adds. “It makes the rational, ethical and theological case for animals at a time when there is a dearth of rational discussion about how we should treat animals.”

“Christianity has a poor record on animals,” explains Dr Linzey. “Christians have variously thought that animals were just things, machines, tools or resources made for us. Churches should be leaders in the movement for the protection of animals, but they are not even in the procession. This book is part of the much needed reappraisal of the status of animals from a theological perspective.”

Dr Linzey is a member of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Oxford and was most recently appointed Honorary Professor of the University of Winchester. He is Director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and was previously a Senior Research Fellow in Theology and Animal Welfare at Mansfield College. Dr Linzey is currently an Honorary Professor in Theology at the University of Birmingham and Special Professor at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois.

The launch of the book will take place at the University of Winchester on Tuesday, 10th July and is open to members of the public. More details are available at: http://www.winchester.ac.uk/?page=8440.

Anyone wishing to attend should call Corinne Mackenzie on 01962 827532 or email Corinne.Mackenzie@winchester.ac.uk