So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.
Genesis 1:21-22
On Good Friday, Christians around the world will abstain from eating animal flesh in honor of Christ’s sacrificing his own flesh on the cross. But many exclude fish from this reprieve, even though these animals think, reason, express desires, and feel pain, just like “all the creatures that move along the ground.” They, too, are part of God’s perfect creation. They, too, are worthy of compassion. In honor of Good Friday and all of His creation, PETA LAMBS is sponsoring a free public vegan fish fry in Pittsburgh.
We’re partnering with local favorite Double Wide Grill, which is crafting beer-battered vegan fish fillets from its own recipe and serving them alongside fresh-cut fries and vegan tartar sauce made with Follow Your Heart Vegenaise. Even during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and with a reduced staff, the eatery wanted to make the event happen. The boxed meals are available for free via carryout from the East Carson Street location from 4 to 9 p.m. (while they last). Double Wide Grill and PETA LAMBS want to provide Christians and all other Pittsburgh residents with an enjoyable, complimentary meal during these uncertain times—and to show that tasty food doesn’t need to cost a life.
Fish have complex central nervous systems and can experience pain. When they’re dragged out of the oceans in massive nets, they slowly suffocate or are crushed to death—and the throats and abdomens of those who survive are cut open on the decks of fishing boats. Coastal fish farms dump massive amounts of feces, antibiotics, parasites, and non-native fish into sensitive marine ecosystems, killing more ocean wildlife.
Because of the Lamb of God’s sacrifice, animal sacrifices were no longer needed—and they certainly aren’t needed today.
There are so many delicious options available that offer the taste and texture of meat without the cruelty, including Gardein Golden Fishless Filets and Mini Crabless Cakes, Beyond Burgers and Sausages, Boca Chik’n Nuggets, Lightlife Smart Dogs and Smart Bacon, and many, many more. Animals don’t want to die, and there’s no excuse for killing them just for a fleeting taste of their flesh.
Religious leaders encourage parishioners to do works of charity and reverence during Lent and the Easter season. But perhaps no other act is as charitable or virtuous as showing the same lifesaving compassion to others that Christ showed to us.
For everyone outside the Pittsburgh area, PETA offers free vegan fish recipes, coupons for discounts on top products, and a free vegan starter kit.
