Presbyterian Traditions (Presbyterianism) The Burning Bush witnessed by Prophet Moses is the symbol of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and is embodied within the logo.. PRESBYTERIAN TRADITIONS (ALSO KNOWN AS PRESBYTERIANISM) Presbyterianism, a Christian movement, owes its origin to John Calvin, a 16th century French reformer. The Christian Bible is the key holy book of the Presbyterian Traditions, who share the principal beliefs of other traditions of Christianity (described on page 16). Presbyterianism is now a worldwide Christian movement. Clergy are called ministers. 167
Summary of s: Please refer to the full text of the highlighted points related to the following summary points. 1 Profile of Presbyterianism in Ireland: Presbyterianism is the fourth largest (stated) religious affiliation in the Irish State. Members may come from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and new communities. The Presbyterian Church of Ireland, the Church of Scotland, the United Reformed Church and the Presbyterian Church of Wales are in the same family of churches. if a Presbyterian minister is not available. A non-ordained chaplain or family member may pray for the child, including naming the child, but they cannot perform the Sacrament of Baptism. 2 Religious contacts and religious practices: Each healthcare setting has a designated Presbyterian chaplaincy resource whose role is to assist in responding to the religious needs of members. The Presbyterian Church, relatively speaking, places less emphasis on religious ceremony and ritual. 3 Death-related religious rituals: There is no formal death-related rite/ritual that needs to be performed. In the event of death the family may request that the person s minister or the chaplain be called, who will assist with prayers if the family so wishes. 4 Cleaning and touching the body: The normal washing and preparation procedure can be carried out on a deceased person. 5 Initiation ritual/infant baptism: If a newborn child is in imminent danger of death and the parents wish for the child to be baptised it is necessary to call a Presbyterian minister. An ordained chaplain from the Church of Ireland or Methodist Church may perform the baptism 168
Profile of Presbyterianism in Ireland Presbyterianism on the island of Ireland dates back to approximately the 1600s. Census 2006 indicated that the Presbyterian Church increased its membership by 14.4% between 2002 and 2006, registering 23,546 members in 2006. Presbyterianism is the fourth largest (stated) religious affiliation in the Irish State. Members may come from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and new communities including Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. The family of churches in Ireland and the United Kingdom includes the Presbyterian Church of Ireland, the Church of Scotland, the United Reformed Church and the Presbyterian Church of Wales. Care of the ill 1 Some hospitals operate on-call rotas for members of a group of Christian churches including Church of Ireland, Methodist and Presbyterian who provide appropriate pastoral care when requested. When a non-presbyterian chaplain is called the chaplain should be made aware of what is being requested and be agreeable to fulfilling the request. Additionally, where possible, the person should be notified that the chaplain being called is from another denomination. A person may wish to see a representative of their own religion, or, if possible, their own minister. The Presbyterian Church, relatively speaking, places less emphasis on religious ceremony and ritual. The Sacrament of Holy Communion, a religious ceremony common to some Christian traditions, is practised. If the person wishes to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion the Presbyterian chaplain should be called. Where this is not possible it may be acceptable for a chaplain from the Church of Ireland or Methodist Church to administer the sacrament. The person s family may also wish to be present. Religious contacts and religious practices 2 Blood Transfusion and Organ Transplantation There is no religious objection to these procedures. Each healthcare setting has a designated Presbyterian chaplaincy resource whose role is to assist in responding to the religious needs of members. 169
Care of the Dying Death-related religious rituals When death is imminent the family may request that the person s minister or the Presbyterian chaplain be called to the hospital but there is no formal rite/ritual that needs to be performed. After the person has died, if requested, prayers would be said with the family if they are present but there is no formal rite/ritual that needs to be performed. Such prayers would be for the comfort of the bereaved because the deceased is now in the hands of God. Therefore, it is not necessary to call the minister or chaplain if the person has died alone. Customs to be observed at death Presbyterians of Irish origin may expect a health practitioner to sit with them in the moments following the loss of a loved one. It is important to discern the family expectations in these matters and be sensitive to them. If in doubt, check with colleagues or the chaplain. Cleaning and touching the body 3 4 Postmortem requirements There is no religious objection to postmortem. Interment ritual Both burial and cremation are acceptable generally. It is customary for a funeral service to be held in the person s own home, place of worship or crematorium and the arrangements would be made by the next of kin with their own minister and the funeral director. A religious service in the hospital would only be provided if specifically requested by the family. Religious Icons and Symbols Personal and religious Items The person may wish to have a copy of the Christian Bible. Any other items are likely to be specific to the individual and the family rather than have religious significance. Use of religious symbols A plain cross (symbol of Christ as the risen Lord) may be present. Candles, prayer beads or a crucifix are not appropriate within the tradition and none should be displayed in the mortuary area. The normal washing and preparation procedure can be carried out. 170
Additional Notes on Maternity and Paediatric Care Initiation ritual/infant baptism Memento of a deceased child Religious representatives indicate that it is important that parents are helped in their grieving and from a religious perspective mementos of a child are acceptable. 5 Developing a Presbyterian Contact The Presbyterian Church practises the Sacrament of Baptism, the initiation ritual common across Christian traditions, in infancy. If a newborn child is in imminent danger of death it may be important for the parent(s) that the child be baptised, and in such cases it is necessary to call a Presbyterian minister. An ordained chaplain from the Church of Ireland or Methodist Church may perform the baptism if a Presbyterian Minister is not available. A non-ordained chaplain or family member may pray for the child, including naming the child, but they cannot perform the Sacrament of Baptism. However, should a child die before being baptised the child is deemed to be safe in the hands of God and baptism is not essential. The principle healthcare facilities have an appointed Presbyterian chaplain who can be contacted through local chaplaincy/pastoral care departments. Other settings, such as long-term care facilities, may depend on the local minister to provide pastoral care services. Contributors Three Presbyterian chaplains who provide pastoral care services in Irish hospitals jointly contributed to this section. They are Reverend C. Mary Hunter, Mrs Susan Dawson and Reverend Denis Campbell. Reverend Hunter was the lead contact and she approved the finalised section. Foetal, infant and child death In the case of miscarriage or stillbirth the wishes of the parent(s) should be followed regarding contacting a chaplain or their own minister. Normally a service is held for deceased infants and children. The arrangements for such would be the same as for an adult and would be made by the next of kin with their own minister and the funeral director. 171