Theos’s report Love, Grief, and Hope: Emotional responses to death and dying in the UK features in the Church Times. 28/11/2023

Nearly half (46 per cent) of frequent attenders of a worship service aged 55 or over felt hopeful when considering their own death, compared to just 12 per cent of those who did not attend. Just six per cent of respondents were afraid of spiritual judgement. The report concluded that: “More than either judgement or oblivion, we are concerned about separation from those we love.” When asked from whom they would seek support during a bereavement, 38 per cent of frequent worshippers listed a faith leader, compared to one per cent of those who never attend.

The report concludes: “The Church has honed compassionate skills in walking with people at the end of their lives, and cares for those who mourn. Now we must re–open conversations, name death, and think about how this compassionate caring can be reshaped for this new world. Our love in Christ for those in grief is surely more urgent than ever.”

Love, Grief, and Hope: Emotional responses to death and dying in the UK, published earlier today, examines emotional responses to death and dying in the UK, presenting the findings of a nationally representative poll commissioned by Theos and conducted by YouGov.

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