Recently I have noticed how naturally some committed Christians seem to cope with the death of a loved one. This is not to say that they do not grieve over their bereavement, undoubtedly they do, but they display a demeanour of acceptance and inner peace rather than inconsolable desolation over their loss. Gradually, I grew to wonder if this peaceful acceptance of death is linked to our Christian belief that death is followed by joy in eternal life.

I took an opportunity to explore this with others through a workshop on „Waiting to Die? at the Centre for the Study of Theology & Health (Holy Rood House, Thirsk). This focussed on foreseeable death, and revealed very diverse views on „letting go? of loved ones. For me, this called into question whether or not we Christians are confident that life in this world is followed by joy in eternal life in heaven, and secure in the theological basis for our belief.

As editor of Chrism (Journal of the Guild of St Raphael) I decided to devote an issue to these challenging topics and was particularly rewarded by Reverend Mark Birch, Chaplain at Helen and Douglas House. He provided a cogent theological exposition illuminated by compassionate reference to his work with children, young people and their families, and concluded that our hope in the full glory of heaven is one of the greatest gifts we can offer to „those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death?.
By keeping company with people who are sitting in that shadow, even if visits are difficult, a caring visitor is an icon of God?s love and can ease the waiting and letting go. It is crucially important, therefore, that the pastoral ministry of visiting should be sustained as a high priority expression of our Christian faith.

Professor Helen L Leathard.

Copies of the Autumn 2009 issue : Guild Secretary, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it