See: Christian Ecology Link LOAF Principles 'One Bread' Service

An illustrated, 62-page journal The Ark is published every four months, containing articles and features on every aspect of the Catholic Concern for Animals' interests.  If you would like a free copy of The Ark, more information, or feel that you would like to join us, please contact us cca@catholic-animals.org  Membership costs are just £10 a year or £70 for Life (or the equivalent in any currency). Similarly, if you live in the USA or Canada and would like a copy of The Ark and our brochure, please contact us in the USA at Godscre@msn.com . USA membership is $25 a year or $175 for life

Our history

In 1929 a group of people met together in London and formed the first-ever Catholic society concerned with all aspects of animal welfare and theology. Cardinal Bourne, the then Primate of the English and Welsh hierarchy, encouraged members to pray for animals and to research and spread Church teaching on the subject. Known for many years as the Catholic Study Circle for Animal Welfare, it became a registered charity (number 231022) and grew, with members in every diocese and, eventually, in 52 countries.

Who we are

Now renamed, Catholic Concern for Animals (CCA), has nurtured the growth of several similar charities world-wide, including a branch in Australia and a relatively recently-formed one in the USA. CCA runs the Phyllis Mary Trust, which distributes grants to selected animal sanctuaries. CCA-USA, under the chairmanship of Jan Fredericks in New Jersey, has members in most States and is expected to grow and develop as more people hear of it. CCA-USA runs a veterinary charity fund to help the disabled and those who cannot afford proper care for their animals

The President of CCA is always a bishop or archbishop, and it has many distinguished patrons. Its UK Committee, or Board of Trustees, comprises clerical and lay men and women who generously give their time and expertise. It employs one part-time administrator, the General Secretary, who also edits the thrice-yearly journal The Ark, a 64-page illustrated publication containing articles and features on every aspect of CCA’s interests. 

Our Mission

Catholic Concern for Animals exists to influence the Christian Church and, ultimately the wider society, into adopting a more just, understanding and compassionate attitude towards the animal creation. We research and disseminate authentic teachings of the Catholic Tradition, and of other religious beliefs, to help bring about a way of living in accordance with the Creator’s design. We support and encourage those working towards these aims.

We believe that all life is God-given and therefore to be highly respected – and that life, of course, includes all human life, particularly that of the most vulnerable, the unborn, and the terminally ill or dying. We hold strongly to a pro-life approach, both for humans and for sentient non-humans, and resist any suggestion that we care ‘only’ for animals at the expense of human life.

If you would like a free copy of The Ark, more information, or feel that you would like to join us, please contact us cca@catholic-animals.org. If you live in the USA or Canada and would like a free copy of The Ark and our brochure, please contact us in the USA at Godscre@msn.com .

Membership costs:
UK: £10 a year or £70 for Life (or equivalent in any currency)
Similarly, if you live in the USA or Canada and would like a copy of The Ark and our brochure, please contact us in the USA at Godscre@msn.com . USA membership is $25 a year or $175 for life