Reflecting on risk taking

enabling parents to co-create ritual following the death of their baby in-utero

Authors

  • Ewan Kelly St Columba's Hospice

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.v10i2.15

Keywords:

Bereavement by the death of a baby in-utero, chaplaincy, co-construction, ritual

Abstract

Qualitative research undertaken with bereaved parents who have ritually marked the life and death of their baby who has died in-utero is outlined. The significance for bereaved parents of sharing in the co-construction of naming/blessing ceremonies and/or funerals with a chaplain, as well as participating in the ritual itself is described. A short theological reflection on the risk involved for chaplains in entering into such relationships with bereaved parents is also offered.

Author Biography

  • Ewan Kelly, St Columba's Hospice

    Ewan Kelly is chaplain at St Columba's Hospice and a part-time lecturer at the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh.

References

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FISCHER K. (1989) Women at the Well: Feminist Perspectives on Spiritual Direction. London: SPCK.

GRAHAM E (2002) Transforming Practice: Practical Theology in an Age of Uncertainty. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock publishers.

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THWAITE A. (1996) R.S. Thomas. London: Everyman’s Poetry/J.M. Dent.

WALTER T. (1999) On Bereavement: The Culture of Grief. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Published

2013-04-07

How to Cite

Kelly, E. (2013). Reflecting on risk taking: enabling parents to co-create ritual following the death of their baby in-utero. Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 10(2), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.v10i2.15

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