New Conference

October 2001

Rev. Susan Martin

Associate Pastor, LaPorte First UMC

LaPorte

Yes, I do. They are a part of God's creation -- that He thought "it was good." I work with children, and I believe it (having pets or reacting to animals) helps them to see God's goodness.

Rev. Michael Anderson

District Superintendent,

Bloomington

I don't think so. I have not seen any references in the Scriptures that suggests of animals going to heaven as we think about heaven.

Connie King

Trinity UMC

Lapel

Yes, God created everything, so animals have a purpose in our lives.

I know that his dog meant a lot to our son, Don. They spent a lot of time together when he was a teenager. She was someone special, someone he could talk to. I like to think she went to heaven when she died.

Margie Loudon

Unity Chapel

Depauw

It may not be our concept of heaven, but those of us who are animal lovers would be lost in heaven without our pets' spirits. Pets give us comfort and pleasure. In Gen. 1, verse 26-27, it says God gave us dominion over creatures of the earth. Our pets give us loving companionship, are intelligent and have personalities. We are responsible for their well-being.

Ron Fischer

St. Matthew UMC

Frankfort

I see no reason why not. I hope so. The animals we've had, we love them dearly. And with God anything is possible. God loves all the creatures he has made.

We've taken in animals and each one has been unique and had a special personality, for God has created everything.