I recently came across references to a book on Animal Theology by Andrew Linzey and these comments caught my interest:
ANIMAL RIGHTS is animal theology, in Andrew Linzey’s view. He argues that historical theology, creatively defined, must reject humanocentricity. He questions the assumption that if theology is to speak on this issue, “it must only do so on the side of the oppressors.” Linzey’s theological query investigates not only the abstractions of theory, but also the realities of hunting, animal experimentation, and genetic engineering. He is an important, pioneering, Christian voice speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
ANDREW LINZEY holds the world’s first fellowship in theology and animal welfare–the International Fund for Animal Welfare Senior Research Fellowship at Mansfield College, Oxford University, and is a Special Professor of Theology at the University of Nottingham. He has written fourteen books on theology and ethics, including Animal Rights, Christianity and the Rights of Animals and Political Theory and Animal Rights. At the 1989 Annual Conference of The Humane Society of the United States he was named official chaplain to the animal welfare movement in recognition of his outstanding work in the field of theology and animals. In 1990 he was awarded the Peaceable Kingdom Medal for outstanding work in the field of theology and animals.
Richard Wade has posted a critique that’s worth reading on the Australian E-Journal of Theology. It raises as many questions for me as it answers but he himself acknowledges “The debate over a theology and ethics of animals is in its early stages. And the world in which we live encourages its growth.“
Curious Christian 
Matt
Just an update on Dr Linzey’s profile. He is no longer at Mansfield College, but remains part of the theology faculty at Oxford University, and specifically is on the teaching staff at Blackfriars Hall at Oxford University. Blackfriars is administered by the Dominicans, but includes some non-Catholic lecturers such as Dr Linzey.
Blackfriars’ website may be perused at
http://www.bfriars.ox.ac.uk/
His role now is as Senior Research Fellow in Ethics, Theology and Animal Welfare.
His research interests are listed as follows:-
“Christian ethics and modern theology. Contemporary moral issues, including sexuality, war and violence, research on embryos, the environment, and animal rights.”
His publications list includes:-
Books include: Animal Theology (SCM Press/University of Illinois Press, 1994). Dictionary of Ethics, Theology and Society (Routledge, 1996) (co-editor). After Noah (Mowbray/Continuum, 1997) (co-author). Animals on the Agenda (SCM Press/University of Illinois Press, 1998) (co-editor). Animal Gospel (Hodder and Stoughton/Westminster John Knox Press, 1998). Animal Rites (SCM Press/The Pilgrim Press, 1999). Animal Rights: A Historical Anthology (University of Columbia Press, 2005) (co-editor). Gays and the Future of Anglicanism (John Hunt Publishing, 2005) (co-editor).
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