Ministry Brings Dogs Closer to God

by Annie Hartnett · 2010-05-07 08:00:00 UTC
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Do all dogs go to heaven? There's a church in Massachusetts that might have the answer. On May 16, The Calvary Episcopal Church in Danvers, MA is holding its first sermon for people and dogs. The monthly sermons are called "Perfect Paws Ministry," and dog lovers are encouraged to bring their canine companions to church.

The Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas explained to The Boston Herald that the sermons are meant to celebrate dogs. “We have to recognize that there are lots of places other than church where we encounter God."

I clearly remember a raisin-faced nun from my childhood who told me that dogs don't go to heaven, because they don't have souls. In some ways, Perfect Paws Ministry is an extremely refreshing idea.

The sermons will consist of barking (as Keith-Lucas wants the "dogs to be dogs"), prayers said for the dogs, and treats handed out by ushers.

It is unclear to me whether Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas believes that dogs do go to heaven. Perhaps she believes dogs simply are around to bring humans closer to God, or perhaps the sermons are just a gimmick to fill the pews. Or maybe she simply misses being around dogs since her husband is allergic to them.

Whatever the reasoning behind Perfect Paws Ministry, a crowded church is likely to be a stressful situation for a dog, and I personally don't see the point in taking a dog to church. If the sermons were to take place outside, I would think much more positively of Perfect Paws Ministry.

But as long as precautions are taken to ensure that the church-going dogs are safe and comfortable, the sermons are pretty harmless ... and a little charming. I do hope that the Ministry will be able to use the services to raise charitable funds for dogs in need.

Photo Credit: rftrudeau

Annie Hartnett is a writer and animal advocate who has worked for several wildlife rehabilitation centers and environmental programs.
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