Funerals: Articles

At the beginning of June, over 120 clergy and lay leaders were joined by people working to support the bereaved at “Circles of Impact: funerals, bereavement and the community”.

​​​​​​​Benita Hewitt has been involved in research for 40 years and following a profound experience in her 40s which led her to God, she turned her professional curiosity about people’s behaviour to understanding more about faith journeys. Much of the research that has been central to our understanding of Life Events comes from Benita Hewitt.

School bereavement counsellor, Peter English, shares some of his reflections, experiences and wisdom on supporting young people at one of life’s most difficult times. Includes resource suggestions which churches could use.

This media report released by Co op Funeralcare in July 2020 offers insight into the ‘grief pandemic’ growing in the wake of Covid-19.

Many churches run much needed support groups for parents and parenting. However, less visible are the involuntarily childless, who also need support. 

Blogging Vicar, Vic Van Den Bergh, reflects on why, for him, funerals are one of the greatest privileges of ordained ministry

Clergy and church members who are interested in developing their skills in bereavement support may like to attend Cruse’s one-day loss and bereavement workshops, designed to help develop a caring and professional response.

​​​​​​​As I sit and reflect upon the bizarre events of the last week, in which against what seemed massive odds, the Church of England won an award that recognised we ‘do good funerals’, I am reminded of the bishops words as priests are ordained, “With all God’s people, they are to tell the story of God’s love and minister to the sick and prepare the dying for their death”.

This feature in The Guardian about ‘death doulas’ raises some familiar challenges for encouraging people to discuss death and dying.

The Church of England has something good to share with people and what’s more, people are genuinely looking for it and interested!