Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)
| Abstract | The Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA) is an international, nondenominational Christian ministry that promotes faithful, responsible stewardship of God’s creation through plant-based eating. The CVA advocates vegetarianism from a biblically based, Christian perspective and sees dietary choice as a valid way to bear witness to Christ’s ministry of love, peace, mercy, and compassion. Exposing modern animal agriculture’s harmfulness to humans, animals, and the environment, the CVA encourages Christians to reduce or eliminate animal products as part of their Christian calling to be good stewards of God’s Creation. The CVA provides information and resources about vegetarianism through publications, campaigns, and the internet. Highlighting the connections between animal-based diets and world hunger, ecological damage, animal mistreatment, and human disease, the CVA educates people about the social, ecological, ethical, and health benefits of plant-based diets. Ultimately, the CVA hopes that Christians will choose to substantially reduce or eliminate animal products from their diets. The CVA currently has more than 1,800 members. |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Geographic Location | International |
| Duration of Project | 1999–Present |
| History |
The Christian Vegetarian Association was founded in 1999 by Nathan Braun, then an undergraduate at Augustana University College in Alberta. Braun organized a board of respected professors, theologians, and activists representing a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. The organization has grown quickly because many Christians choose vegetarianism as a consequence of their faith. The CVA’s main publication, Honoring God’s Creation, is a sixteen-page color booklet with answers to commonly asked questions but it also provides nutritional information, recipies, and a resource list. The CVA currently distribues approximately 125,000 copies per year. The booklet is also available in several languages (e.g., English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Polish). Together Nathan Braun and Stephen Kaufman have published, Good News for All Creation: Vegetarianism as Christian Stewardship. The CVA plans to expand its ministry through several means including: a wider distribution of Honoring God’s Creation at churches and Christian events on an international level, increased visibility of dietary issues through church education programs, and enhanced recognition of Christian vegetarians through bumper stickers, tee shirts, caps, and other display items. |
| Mission Statement |
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| Partner Organizations | All-Creatures.org Veg for Lent |
| Long-Term Goals | To place dietary choices on the “radar screen” of Christian concerns so that Christians will make informed, faith-based choices regarding what they eat. |
| Bibliography | Kaufman, Stephen R. and Nathan Braun. Good News for All Creation: Vegetarianism as Christian Witness. Cleveland, Ohio: Vegetarian Advocates Press, 2002, 2004. |
| Additional Research Resources | None Listed |
| Contact Information |
Canada Ghana Poland Portugal Romania United Kingdom United States |