THE 2006 ESSAY COMPETITION

As advertised in the last Ark, Catholic Concern for Animals held its first essay competition for students of theology this year. Information about it was published in the Catholic press and was circulated to every UK college and university with a theology department, and to every seminary and theological college, both Catholic and Anglican. This was one good way to let these places know CCA exists and is active! The essay title was: ‘“Animals are God’s creatures” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n.2416). What are the theological and practical implications of this statement?’ Essays were to be no longer than 2,500 words and to be sent in by the deadline.

The response was encouraging, with most of the entries being of a high standard. There were two in particular which deserved the award, so,after much consultation, the prize was divided between them, with £300 going to each and £100 to their academic institutions (instead of one £500 prize and £200 to the college). The cheques will be presented at the AGM in October. The judges wish to record the following assessment:

Joint winners:

Peter Ellis, of Sarum College, Salisbury
Benjamin Platt of King’s College, London

Highly commended:

Gareth Crosby of Liverpool Hope University

With merit:

Anthony Akabogu of All Hallows College, Dublin
Bro John-Allen Green of the Franciscan International Study
Centre, Canterbury
Bro Antony Jukes of the Franciscan International Study
Centre, Canterbury
Conor McDonough of King’s College, Cambridge
Cian Power of Oriel College, Oxford
Bro Antony Vallappallil SDV of the Mary Martha Major
Seminary, Kerala, India
We wish to thank all the entrants and wish them well in their studies.

The prize-winning essays will be published in The Ark, beginning with that of Peter Ellis. (Benjamin Platt’s will be in the next issue.) Peter is a professional archaeologist, writing archaeology texts on British sites,and studying for an MA in theology at Sarum. He is married with two grown-up children.