April 02, 2019 Dying Well: Multi-Religious End-of-Life Conversations

Conversations about what it means to live well until the very end have a powerful impact on how we live–and how we die. Conversations can help preserve personal autonomy and respect for our faith-based values and practices. They can save families from making uninformed medical decisions when confronted by a crisis. They are an entryway to a deep spiritual practice. And, ultimately, they become a gift and a blessing for all.

While 90 percent of Americans think having these conversations is important, most of us don’t know how to begin them–or wait too long, which can be too late.

The BTI Consortium’s inaugural Lifelong Learning Conference is designed to provide you with direct experiences and resources you can use to facilitate these sacred conversations in your families and institutions so that no one is left in the dark about what would matter most.

• Be inspired by faith leaders who will introduce you to various theological perspectives on care and conversations through the end of life. A panel discussion with Aida Mansour (Islamic Chaplain, Hartford Seminary); Chris Berlin (Buddhist Studies, Harvard Divinity School); Dr. Philip Mamalakis (Pastoral Care, Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary); Rabbi Joel Baron, Rab`14 (Hebrew Senior Life); Dr M. Sarah Rosenthal, M.D. (University of Kentucky); moderated by Rabbi Or Rose (Hebrew College).

• Enjoy rich conversational interactions facilitated by the co-designer of the game, “Start with HELLO,” Jethro Heiko;

• Learn from the deep experience of having Planning Ahead conversations in her congregation with Rev. Dr Gloria White-Hammond, MD, MDiv;

• Reflect on what matters most to you with the Advisor to Faith Communities at The Conversation Project, Rev. Rosemary Lloyd, BSN, MDiv.;

• Leave with your own copy of “The Hello Game” and Conversation Starter Kit.