We know that dying, death and funerals have been different since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, particularly during the periods of community lockdown. While there has been some media emphasis on the experiences of the bereaved, the experiences and views of faith based funeral celebrants who have provided funerals for members of their faith in this time have not been mentioned.
Dr Eleanor Flynn and Dr Claire Renkin from the University of Divinity have received ethics approval from the University of Divinity (number 363/20) to explore the experience of faith based funeral provision in a time of social upheaval by interviewing members of faith based communities who have conducted funerals in this time. The deaths may or may not be related to COVID-19. The interviews will be conducted by either Dr Flynn or Dr Renkin by video call or phone during August, September and October.
Please contact Dr Eleanor Flynn to discuss the project or to register your interest.
Dr Claire Renkin has a PhD in Art History from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. She lectures in art history and spirituality at Yarra Theological Union, University of Divinity, Melbourne.
Guest Author
Catholic Theological College
University of Divinity
Having conducted three funerals recently I would be pleased to have a conversation with the researchers.
Hi Colleen,
Many thanks for your reply. The researchers will be delighted to hear from you. If you haven’t already, you can contact Dr Eleanor Flynn on dremflynn@gmail.com.
Kind regards,
Meg
Dear Colleen,
Thank you for your interest in being interviewed for our research project. We usually do the interviews by Zoom but they can be done by phone if you prefer this. I need to send you a plain language form and a consent form If you could contact me at my email : claire.ren@optusnet.com.au I can send you the forms and suggest possible times for the interview.
Cheers,
Claire