“My peace I give to you…” The Potential and Challenges of Contemporary Funerals in the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren Cover Image

„Svůj pokoj vám dávám…“ Potenciál a výzvy současného pohřbu v Českobratrské církvi evangelické
“My peace I give to you…” The Potential and Challenges of Contemporary Funerals in the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren

Author(s): Jana Hofmanová
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, History of Church(es), Theology and Religion, Systematic Theology, Pastoral Theology, Sociology of Religion, Psychology of Religion
Published by: Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Nakladatelství Karolinum
Keywords: Funeral; liturgy; ritual; death body; individualisation; accompaniment; pastoral relationship; Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren

Summary/Abstract: This article presents results of qualitative research (2023) and offers an interpretation of funerals in the ECCB on the basis of how the clergy themselves approach their preparation and how they perceive their role. Funeral service is seen as a ritual that, through the liturgy but also through the perceptive presence of the ministers, offers authentic participation, as well as a certain grounding in tradition and reframing of the loss experienced. Unlike civil funerals, however, the central theme is not the personality of the deceased, but the Word of God; or rather, the setting of human life in Gospel hope. According to ministers, the task is to comfort and enable bereaved to deal well with a difficult period in their lives which is easier when there is a pastoral relationship and safe space. The ministers focus on the bereaved and on their own authenticity, yet the presence of the deceased and their accompaniment is sometimes surprisingly peripheral to the whole event.

  • Issue Year: 30/2024
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 213-227
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: Czech
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