Learning Objectives

The aim of the module is to explore the relationship between theological understandings of suicide, mental health and pastoral support.

Learners will:

1. Identify and consider their church’s theological understanding and approach to suicide, mental health and pastoral support.
2. Identify the particular role of clergy after a suicide.
3. Prepare a church response to a suicide death.
4. Have greater confidence, knowledge and awareness of the most appropriate approaches to conducting a funeral of a person who has died by suicide.

Duration: 2-hour session

Training Programme

• Welcome and Introductions
• Discussion: Sharing and discussion on theological understandings and approaches to suicide, mental health and pastoral support in different churches.
• What is the particular role of clergy after a suicide? – Building a list and discussion
• Presentation and Discussion: Conducting a Funeral(Guidelines Section 5)
• Planning: Preparing a Church Response to a Suicide Death