Weekly Newsletter from Christian Vegetarian Association CVA - June 21, 2019
From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

  1. Activist Feedback
  2. Essay: Promoting Veganism
  3. All-Creatures.org Ministry

1. Activist Feedback

Winter Jam in Cleveland, March 31, 2019

Ben, Nelli, and Steve braved the snow and distributed 2100 booklets. Ben said that he really enjoyed working the event.

2. Essay: Promoting Veganism

In response to feedback, I would like to clarify that “the abolitionist approach” refers to the strategy, largely developed and promoted by Gary Francione, calling for the abolition of all animal exploitation and opposing any policies or legislation that includes compromise with animal exploitation industries. Today I will look at promoting veganism, which is consistent with the abolitionist approach. Is it a good strategy?

Many people who are accustomed to eating a combination of meat, dairy, and eggs three times a day are reluctant to suddenly renounce all animal food products. In my experience, promoting a vegan, plant-based diet does not repel people from substantially reducing their consumption of animal products, such as going meat-free. However, it has been my impression that many near-vegans whose ongoing consumption of some dairy and/or eggs has been met with hostility from animal advocates who have found their food journey dispiriting. Almost all of us need community, and many vegetarians and near-vegans find that their food choices are socially isolating. If animal advocates also reject them, they might be drawn back to the standards of their old omnivorous crowd.

Interestingly, plant-based milks now account for 13% of the dairy market, and plant-based meats account for nearly 1% of the meat market. And, this does not include the many popular plant-based whole foods. An estimated 4% of Americans are vegetarian, and among them about 2% are vegan. So, it appears that many people are “flexitarian” in that they sometimes choose non-animal “alternative” foods. I think that promoting veganism is generally a good strategy. It offers moral clarity, points to an ideal, and minimizes an individual’s harm to nonhumans. I think it wisest to offer encouragement and support rather than judgment on imperfect diets.

Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.

3. All-Creatures.Org Ministry

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