Preparing for death
Fred Ashmore reports on a conference in London
There is, today, a practical, ethical and Christian debate on the subject of death and dying. London Quakers addressed this important concern at a one-day conference on 28 January. It was held in partnership with academics at Cardiff University, who masterminded the programme as part of their national project, Christian Perspectives on Death and Dying.
The day looked at three aspects of decisions around death and dying: making decisions about future medical interventions; decisions about a loved one who no longer has capacity; and the really thorny subject of assisted dying. All of the sessions were helpful. They gave valuable insights and provoked really engaged questions and discussion.
The leading session, by John Lampard, a Methodist minister, was designed to give a framework for our participation in the day. He did this admirably, covering both the emotional aspects of dying and death, and many fascinating details of associated practices. I didn’t know that the church has been helping Christians to die for 1,200 years; but he read to us part of a prayer from the year 800 AD, which gives evidence of this.
Nor did I know that cremation is such a relatively recent practice. It was only introduced in 1885. Today, most families scatter ashes, whereas many early cremations gave a conveniently portable urn as a memento of a loved one. Two of John Lampard’s observations about medical interventions were very thought provoking: ‘medicine may win a battle (possibly a Pyrrhic victory) but death will always win the war’ and ‘death is not a failure’.
We heard an excellent exposition from Compassion in Dying about Advance Decisions (to refuse treatments), which are also known as Living Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney and related information. This was factual and helpful. I particularly valued the comment from Jenny Kitzinger, who chaired the session. Professor Kitzinger said: ‘Do it now, and make sure you talk to your family about it.’ Keith Walton, clerk of London Quakers, also gave a thoughtful Quaker response on this topic.
The middle session explored some of the difficulties of giving treatment where the loved one cannot give consent on their own behalf.
Eva Kalmus, a GP working in geriatric care (as well as a valued speaker at London Quakers events), explored two case studies highlighting the difficult decisions that arise and the importance of time and talk in working through to an agreement about how to proceed. She reminded us of how important it is that someone who has been given Medical Power of Attorney understands their role and has a clear sense of what the patient would have wanted.
Platon Razis, consultant in Anaesthesia and Neuro Intensive Care at St George’s University Hospitals, explored the varied facets of working in his area, and the importance of communications and the search for the right decision.
After lunch we heard different views about assisted dying. This was much more of a debate than the morning sessions. I recognised the value and force of the arguments expounded by the first two speakers. First to speak was Paul Badham, professor emeritus of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Wales, and a patron of Dignity in Dying. He was followed by Robert Preston, formerly clerk to the House of Lords committee that examined the Assisted Dying Bill of 2005, and now a director of the Living and Dying Well foundation. These were authoritative, powerful speakers, and the insights and perspectives they brought us were valuable. But for me, as a Friend, the Quaker perspective set out by the (much younger) Ben Wood, a Quaker theologian, carried more weight. He reminded us that Quakers see themselves as part of God’s story and that our work includes (maybe just is) helping to find an expression of the will of God.
Our way of making decisions is situational and collective, listening for the will of God expressed during settled worship. Our final speaker, Anne Hosking, has worked in the Quaker witness around death and dying for many years. She shared her wisdom and perspectives to bring the speeches to a close with Quaker ideas.
It was a good day.
Further information: http://bit.ly/ChristianPerspectives
Twitter: @XNdying
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