The good news of faith-based animal liberation is being shared across the country by compassionate clergy members like Reverend Jaime Nieves. Read on to get to know her and her ministry work for all of God’s creation!
Rev. Jaime, can you share a bit about yourself and your ministry?
I answered the call to ministry late in life (in my 30’s)! I began my professional career as a copywriter working in several advertising, PR, and marketing agencies as well as doing TV news promotion. In 2008 an opportunity came along to serve as a local missionary (in Colorado, where I was living at the time) to work with the United Methodist Churches that were in growing Hispanic communities create programs and other ministries to invite our Hispanic brothers and sisters into our Sanctuaries. That position was only for three years; afterward, I knew I couldn’t go back to advertising! I had been deeply touched by the ministry I was doing and knew that ministry was what I believe God was calling me to do.
I’ve been in ministry now for 17 years, 14 of those serving in the church as a pastor. I consider it an extraordinary blessing and privilege to walk with people of all ages, cultures, and life experiences in their various challenges and celebrations – and in everyday, “ordinary” life. But my real ministry passion has always been creature/creation care and encouraging our youth to explore what it means to be a good steward of God’s creatures and our precious earth.
What inspired you to become involved in animal liberation?
In addition to the physical liberation of animals – releasing them from cages, freeing them from being used for our own entertainment or gratification, or in cosmetic testing or medical schools – is their spiritual and emotional liberation: how they are feeling. It may sound odd, but I actually can imagine the pain, fear, confusion, and extreme discomfort these poor animals must experience – day after day, week after week, year after year, with no end in sight. Using animals in these (what I believe are) arrogant, torturous, and cruel ways breaks their spirits. They feel no joy and no sense of freedom to fully be the beloved animals God created them to be.
When I was young, I used to be bullied a lot. Every morning, I remember waking up dreading getting out of bed because I knew the pain, humiliation, and fear I would have to endure. My spirit was broken. But at least I knew I had friends who would support me, and that the bullying would only last while I was at school – I could always look forward to it ending once I came home to my family. These animals have no relief in sight; their “bullying” is continuous. I used to wonder, as a child, what I did wrong that was so bad that people would treat me so cruelly. What if animals wonder the same thing? My heart breaks at the thought.
What is one animal that you’re particularly passionate about?
I’m passionate about all animals! But, as a cat mom, I’d have to say I’m cat particular. I currently parent a pair of brother-and-sister cats who are both blind. While I grew up with dogs – and one hamster! – I’ve had cats (three of them) before my two current kitties. Experiencing their love, companionship, loyalty, beautiful little spirits, and their loss is what prompted me to write my two books.
Can you tell us about the books you’ve written to help children through their grief over their beloved animal friends?
In my first book, Lollie & Micks’s Lessons from the Rainbow Bridge, I wanted to introduce my young readers to the concepts of good stewardship – and the Rainbow Bridge. Lollie, the main character, learns from her grandma that taking special care of her grandma’s elderly cat makes her a good steward – and that we need to take care of all God’s creatures in the same loving, compassionate way that God takes care of humankind. But – spoiler alert! – when Micks the cat dies, Lollie’s grandma tells Lollie that her cat has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. I think this is a very beautiful, non-threatening, and hopeful image to help parents and other family members begin discussions with young children about what eternal life might look like for their beloved pets. My second book in this series is coming out soon – and in that book Lollie learns more about good stewardship from some very special animals… and their very special friend!
My other book, Whiskers & Wisdom, was “written” by my two, real-life, blind brother and sister cats (although they did have a little help from me!) It’s a simple, fun book in which both of my cats, Tilly & Stevey, explain certain aspects of their “cat behavior” that can serve as good lessons for us and our human behavior.
Can you please share a ministry tip with us to get our faith communities involved in animal liberation initiatives?
I would like to invite faith communities to compare and discuss the definitions of dominion and stewardship. In today’s world I don’t believe dominion is understood or appreciated the way that it was back in Bible Days. In the first Creation story (Genesis 1:26-27) God gives humankind dominion over the animals; but what I believe God intended was for us care for animals the way that God cares for us (loving, compassionate, respectful stewardship). And in the second Creation story (Genesis 2:18-19) God originally created animals to be human’s helper and partner. Beloved, respected equals. There are similar beliefs in other faith traditions, too. Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata highlight the principle of non-violence and urge compassion for all beings. Islamic teachings also emphasize the merit of good deeds towards animals, equating them with good deeds towards humans.
So, the question is: How can we all join together to get rid of the negative dominion mindset and embrace the divine/higher power-like concept of good stewardship? Let’s please start conversations about this important issue!
