The Role of the Clergy for Survivors of Suicide (IN: Clergy Response to Suicidal Persons and Their Family Members, edited by D C Clark)

This chapter discusses the meaningfulness of funerals, rituals & anniversaries for suicide survivors. The author shares his belief that a death by suicide should be interpreted in terms of its medical rather than moral implications for the benefit of surviving members. He notes that the clergy play a variety of roles in the grieving process including being a nonjudgemental supporter & nurturer, a presider over rituals, & a patient & loyal guide through the grieving process.