Faith Community Resources
Seven
reasons why we are invested in sharing The Conversation Project in
congregations:
- They are existing communities
of people that are committed to living according to shared values, and to
advocating for vulnerable populations;
- They are places that encourage
living with more compassion and less fear—things we all need if we are
going to engage in these kinds of tender conversations;
- Congregations are story-telling
communities—and really, so much of this work is about sharing our stories:
what happened when someone died; what works and what doesn’t; what we hope
and what we fear— this is the heart of storytelling;
- Some congregations are places
where the seeds of cultural change are planted—from abolition to equal
rights—and we can all agree that we need some culture change on this
topic;
- From the pulpit and in the
newsletters are announcements of serious illness, hospitalizations, death
and funerals. This is a place where conversations about death should be at
home;
- Faith communities like to eat
together. We have had great success with programs like “Let’s Have Dinner
and Talk about Death” and “Death over Deli” where people get to talk in
comfortable settings over comfort food. The resulting conversations are
remarkable for their intimacy and liveliness;
- And faith communities are
places that are positioned to support care- providers who are sandwiched
between caring for young children and older parents.
Seven
reasons why we are invested in sharing The Conversation Project in
congregations:
Additionally:
- Starter Kit workshops are a
good way for clergy leaders to gain practice and skill in having The
Conversation. Like doctors, clergy are often called upon to support people
through illness and dying. But–also like doctors—clergy do not all receive
training in how to have these crucial conversations. Using the Starter Kit
is a gentle way to begin having the Conversation with loved ones as well
as with congregants.
Religious Groups’ Views on End of
Life Issues
OTHER RESOURCES