Beliefs
Key Issues
Eating, Food and Drink
Death and Dying
- The sacred writings of the Christian Church are the Bible.
- Christians believe that God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. He was crucified, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven.
- There are many different Christian denominations, beliefs and rituals but the concept of one God who reveals Himself as a Father, a Son and a Holy Spirit (the Trinity) is central to all Christian teaching.
- Easter and Christmas are the most important Feast Days/Celebrations.
- Patients may wish to see a Chaplain, especially before an operation so that they can be prayed for and receive Holy Communion.
- Patients may request a Bible or wish to attend services at the Chapel.
- If a patient is in any kind of spiritual distress, the Chaplain may be called to offer comfort.
- There is no religious objection to the giving or receiving of blood or organs.
- There are no general dietary requirements but some ‘high’ Anglicans (who may describe themselves as Anglo-Catholics) may wish to observe the traditional meatless Friday as a day of self-denial.
- Those awaiting Holy Communion may prefer to fast until after they receive the sacrament.
- Prayers may be said at the bedside of the dying and sometimes it will be appropriate for the patient to be anointed.
- Always ask the patient/significant others if they would like to see the Chaplain or wish their local priest to visit.
- Baptism for babies and young children should be offered.
After death the family may wish to gather round the bed to give prayers of thanksgiving for the person’s life. - Last offices/rites are appropriate.
- No religious objections to post mortem or organ donation/transplant.