Older people
The first major Christian conference on issues for an ageing population will take place on Wednesday 21 November in London. ‘The world, the church and older people’ will include workshops and speakers, dealing with such topics as euthanasia and dementia.
The conference is a joint initiative by the John Owen Centre and Pilgrim Homes. Brian Edwards will be the keynote speaker.
Among other speakers will be representatives from the Christian Institute, and also Roger Hitchings, who has extensive experience in caring for the elderly. He once ran the biggest day unit in the country for Alzheimer’s suffers.
Statistically, all of us can expect to live longer than our forefathers. Yet we may face challenges ranging from physical decline to social exclusion. Biblically we are directed to value older people and benefit from them, but according to recent research ageism is the biggest prejudice in UK society.
Peter Saunders, general secretary of the Christian Medical Fellowship, will be among those helping participants look at bioethics from a biblical perspective. Other contributors include specialists from Pilgrim Homes – celebrating 200 years of ministry to older Christians this year.
Pastors, church leaders and carers will especially benefit from this day conference (contact: info@pilgrimhomes.org.uk or 0207407 5466).
Louise Mors
