Beliefs
Key Issues
Eating, Food and Drink
Death and Dying
- Christians believe that God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. He was crucified, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven .
- Approximately one third of the world’s population professes some form of Christianity.
- There are different Christian churches with differing structures, 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.
- Patients may wish to see a Chaplain, especially before an operation so that they can be prayed for and receive Holy Communion. They may request a Bible and wish to attend services in the Chapel.
- Prayer cards and Bibles should be made available.
- There is no religious objection to the giving or receiving of blood or organs, nor to the donation of the body for teaching or research.
- 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.
- For Anglican/Church of England members prayers may be said at the bedside of the dying and sometimes it will be appropriate for the patient to be anointed.
- After death some families may like to gather around the bed to give prayers of thanksgiving for the person’s life.
- Always ask the patient/significant others if they would like to see the Chaplain or wish to make arrangements for their local priest to visit.
- Baptism for babies and young children should be offered.
- Free Church patients will welcome prayers but will not normally expect a sacramental ministry. As far as possible ministry will be given by the Minister of their local church but visits from the Free Church Chaplain will be accepted.
- Last offices/rites are appropriate for all Christians.
- There are no religious objections to Post Mortems or to organ donation and transplants.