Writer and former chief executive of Compassion in World Farming Joyce D’Silva discusses her book, Animal Welfare in World Religion: Teaching and Practice, with panellists from different faiths including former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord George Carey and television doctor, Amir Khan, who is a Muslim.

D’Silva says she has been inspired by the teachings of major faiths about our relationship with animals but appalled by how many faith leaders and followers ignore them. She says she wants to challenge and encourage religious leaders and followers to reexamine their teachings and put the welfare of animals back on the agenda. D’Silva spent 14 years as chief executive of Compassion in World Farming and played a key role in achieving the UK ban on sow stalls in the nineties and in getting recognition of animal sentience enshrined in the European Union treaties.

Carey was Archbishop of Canterbury between 1991 and 2002. He holds a doctorate from the University of Durham and, before becoming Archbishop, taught at three Anglican theological colleges. His books include a memoir, Know the Truth, and God Incarnate: Meeting the Contemporary Challenges to a Classic Christian Doctrine.

Khan is a full-time GP working in Bradford and has a special interest in type 2 diabetes. He identifies as Muslim.  Khan is a regular on television including as resident doctor on Good Morning Britain, appearances on GPs Behind Closed Doors, and fronting shows such as Channel 5’s Dr Amir’s Sugar Crash and You Are What You Eat. Outside medicine he has a passion for wildlife and is president of the RSPB and vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts.

Discussions are chaired by BBC broadcaster Francine Stock, whose presenting work includes Newsnight and The Money Programme.

This event is part of a series under the banner Pasture to Plate® that looks at the environmental and health benefits of raising food on pasture and getting it to the consumer quickly through a short supply chain.

In association with Compassion in World Farming.

For more info and to buy tickets: Religion and Animal Welfare | Oxford Literary Festival