The Bereavement Friendly Church Charter
We are asking churches across the UK to consider how they might become more accessible and welcoming to people who have been bereaved, and invite them to aim towards the 12 marks of our Bereavement Friendly Church Charter.
Churches that decide to do so are recognised by us as a Bereavement Friendly Church with a certificate and logo they can display. Click here to read the registration guidelines.
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1.
Bereavement awareness training being encouraged and/or provided for the church community.
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2.
Understanding encouraged across the church community of what it is helpful to say or not say to those bereaved.
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3.
A carefully selected and trained bereavement support team appointed with special, but not exclusive, responsibility for bereavement care.
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4.
A carefully selected and trained bereavement church lead appointed to supervise those supporting bereaved people, and represent bereavement needs in church decision making processes.
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5.
Faith questioning expected and appropriately supported when people are bereaved.
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6.
Suffering affirmed within the church community as a legitimate Christian experience.
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7.
Care being taken to ensure theological messages are helpful for those who have been bereaved;.
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8.
A realistic approach to healing conveyed and ‘good deaths’ prepared for.
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9.
Signposting to bereavement support services made available to all people connecting with the church.
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10.
Special activities provided for those who have been bereaved to support the grief journey and for remembrance.
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11.
All aspects of church life reviewed for welcome and impact on those who have been bereaved.
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12.
Provision within the church for those who are mourning to find respite, comfort and peace.