In the wake of the recent Church of England summer digital campaign focused on animals (#GreatAndSmall) and their relationship with church, a parishioner from Mellor in the Diocese of Blackburn is now calling for parishes to help promote the work of the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals (ASWA).

Andrea Townsend, who worships at St Mary’s Church in the village, campaigns on the cause of animal welfare, following in the footsteps of her mother Dorothy, who worked on researching the fate of horses in the Great War, and who is commemorated with a plaque displayed at the local RSPCA animal centre.

Says Andrea: “I am delighted that the Joint Benefice of Mellor, Balderstone and Salmesbury were recently recognised as a set of ‘Animal Friendly Churches’ and that the churches are now members of the ASWA.

“As a new member of ASWA we have been promoting their work. This has included conversations with clergy and distributing my limited supply of ASWA magazines and booklets to churches in the local area.

“I hope that all parishes in the Diocese of Blackburn will consider the role of ASWA, provide their website details and consider becoming a member.”

ASWA is an Anglican organisation founded over 30 years ago to help encourage and teach respect for all creation and highlight the ways in which animals suffer as a result of human neglect, exploitation and cruelty. More information about how to get involved is further below.

Meanwhile, the parish priest for the joint Benefice, Rev Nathaniel Gilmour, presided over a ‘Pets and Praise’ service at St Mary’s recently, which is pictured on this page. 

Nathaniel said: “The pet service was a great success and we had 48 adults, 24 children, 16 dogs, 1 rabbit and several photos of small animals like hamsters … and a few children's stuffed animals as well!”

The churches also now display certificates confirming membership and recognising the efforts of each in promoting animal welfare.

Rev. Barbara Pack, Assistant Priest, is supportive of ASWA and has been instrumental in creating the link with ASWA.

She added: “As a rural benefice with a large rural farming community animals are at the forefront of our thoughts every day. Within our services we welcome animals of all types and promote the wellbeing of the animals in our farming communities.

“In some of our more recent services throughout the benefice we have had the delight of welcoming a donkey to help us at our Palm Sunday services, Thunder, a shire horse from Thwaites Brewery joined us for our service at the memorial in Mellor as a representative for the animals who also gave their service in various wars; while in our Forest Church services we have created many habitats for different types of animals/insects in the school and church grounds within the benefice.”

“Alongside this, we hold an annual pet service and Animal Welfare Sunday in the churches within the Benefice while in our prayers we also include prayers for our farming communities and the welfare of animals.”

To become an animal-friendly church, churches have to submit evidence that they are havens for wildlife and show evidence that they use only products that will not have an impact on the environment. They also have to show evidence that they promote a compassionate attitude towards God’s creatures.

To find out more and explore how to join ASWA, visit their website here.

Ronnie Semley, August 2025