All Death articles
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Real Life‘My wife’s death was tragic, but God is still good’
When Brad Franklin’s wife died suddenly, aged 37, she was pregnant with the couple’s seventh child. Four years on, Brad reflects on returning to ministry, widowhood, remarriage and glorifying God in our suffering
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OpinionIt’s now possible to attend your own funeral…but should you?
What does it means to commemorate a life of someone who is still alive – and is it healthy for those who are dying, or those left behind? As Dawn French reprises her Vicar of Dibley character as part of a 'living funeral' at Truro Cathedral, and some speak of putting the “fun” back in “funerals”, Yvonne Tulloch explores the ethical questions
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ReviewsThe Final Lap - John Wyatt
This little book helpfully explores the three major transitions we face as we grow older – from working life to retirement; from independence to being dependent on others; and from living to dying. It is well-written and readable, with many useful insights. With only 61 pages of ...
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OpinionWhy hymns at funerals are making a comeback
Two hymns made it into this year’s top ten list of songs played at funerals – for the first time in seven years. Rev Cassius Francis reflects on the resurgence of religious songs, and what our music choices can mean at such a difficult time
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ReviewsTalking about death: a pastoral guide by Sue Walker
Despite the title, this is not just a book for those in pastoral ministry. All of us have to face tough questions about death, and this offering from hospice chaplain Sue Walker will help. “Christians don’t need to avoid death-talk and can confidently face death head on”, ...
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Regular ColumnistsA stunning sight
It was one of those: Is this God speaking to me? moments. Seemingly from nowhere a thought surfaced, and the persistent luminosity of it made me wonder if the Holy Spirit was broadcasting on my personal wavelength. Some believers insist that their lives are punctuated with ...
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OpinionThe Bible doesn’t gloss over grief, and neither should we
When Amanda Held Opelt suffered a season of loss - including three miscarriages and the death of her sister, Rachel Held Evans - she was confronted with sorrow she didn’t know to how face. Why do so many Christians insist on an immediate, redemptive story arc when they experience suffering?
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Thank God it's MondayGod’s Undertakers: ‘We constantly pray that families encounter God’s peace in their grief’
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
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OpinionBarry Kissell (1938-2022): Joy-filled maverick, prophetic trailblazer and leader of leaders
New Zealand born Barry Kissell played a key role in the UK’s charismatic movement for over 40 years, bringing prophetic challenge and encouraging a new generation of leaders. Greg Downes remembers him
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News AnalysisThe Queen’s funeral reminds us that even monarchs are under the dominion of Christ
As we say the final goodbye to our late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, Catherine Pepinster decodes the funeral service that Her Late Majesty personally planned
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OpinionAs the Queen’s funeral approaches, here’s why we need it
The function of the funeral is as vital to state as it is to the individual, says George Pitcher. Here’s how it helps us in our grief
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OpinionWhy it's healthy to look at the Queen’s coffin
It’s not strange to want to see a coffin; interacting with death physically is important, explains Lord Leslie Griffiths
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OpinionOur nation is experiencing widespread grief, loss and ‘death denial’. Here’s how the Church can help
The Queen’s death comes during turbulent times and hard on the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic. But the Church can help society heal, says Rev Canon Yvonne Richmond-Tulloch
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Regular ColumnistsThe Queen's passing is a reminder that death is inevitable. But as Christians, we know it's not the end
The vast majority of Brits are uncomfortable with talking about death. Chine McDonald wonders if the pandemic coupled with the death of our Monarch might change that
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Real Life‘I was abused for a decade and made to feel it was my fault’
As the damning report into the sexual exploitation of children in Telford is finally released, 20-year-old Samantha Smith shares her story of grooming and abuse, and how her faith is slowly helping her through it
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Magazine Features‘As a vicar whose son took his life, I’m still learning to live with unanswered questions’
Writing one year on since her son, Leo, took his life, Rev Sharon Grenham-Thompson explains how she’s gradually moving from asking ‘Why God?’ to ‘What now, God?’
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OpinionThe senseless murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel shakes my faith. How can it not?
What does Christian hope look like in the aftermath of this unspeakable tragedy, wonders George Pitcher
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Real LifeBowel cancer led my husband to Jesus. I pray it does for Dame Debs too
When Louise Blyth’s husband died of bowel cancer aged 34, his death was marked by a supernatural peace that led them both to find faith
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Real LifeLike Ronaldo, I lost a son. At first I wanted to scream at God. But now my faith is stronger
When Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez announced the death of their baby, it brought back memories for Ian O’Reilly, whose own son, Tristan, died days after being born at Shrewsbury Hospital. 22 years later, his faith has been tested and refined by his grief, but is stronger for it
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Magazine FeaturesWhy the image of the crucifixion should still shock Christians
The early Christians found the crucifixion so shocking that they didn’t make an image of it for 200 years. Historian Martyn Whittock charts how the Church has depicted the cross since then
