Those of us who love our animal cousins and seek to defend them do not
ordinarily think of the Middle Ages as providing us inspiration.
However, this issue of THE PEACEABLE TABLE has something of a medieval
theme.
* The Editorial, "Taking the Adventure," draws upon the tales of King
Arthur's Knights of the Round Table and the Quest for the Holy Grail
as images providing encouragement for and perspective on our efforts.
* One of the NewsNotes tells of a German study of magpies (relatives
of crows) who show unmistakeable signs of recognizing themselves in
mirrors--a capacity previously known only in a few species of mammals
(including humans).
* Capers in the Churchyard is the book reviewed in this issue. The
frivolous-sounding title is rather misleading; the book presents a
thoroughgoing critique of much animal advocacy.
* A Glimpse of the Peaceable Kingdom features an unlikely alliance
between a beagle and an apparently orphaned fawn.
* One of the Gems is the line from Matthew's gospel quoting Jesus:
". . . seek first the Kingdom of God, and God's justice . . ."
* The Recipes give us tasty summer entrees made from squash,
collards, and other nutritious vegetables.
* In My Pilgrimage, Benjamin Schmeiser tells how watching
documentaries about a slaughterhouse and a dairy moved him to put his
actions where his heart was, and stop eating animal products. He
intends to raise his newly-born daughter to live likewise in
compassion and integrity.
* This month's Pioneers are "Melangell and other Saintly Saboteurs,"
three medieval saints who broke with widespread cultural values to
shelter animals being pursued by hunters.
* One of the Poetry selections is a dizain that celebrates
Melangell's rescue of a hare; the other is a song, "Follow the Gleam,"
based on the Quest for the Holy Grail.
We would love to hear from you with responses to this issue and
submissions for future issues.
You can read this issue online at http://www.vegetarianfriends.net/issue46.html
Let us Follow the Gleam--
Gracia Fay Ellwood
Editor
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