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In Sure and Certain Hope: Resources to Assist Pastoral and Theological Approaches to Physician Assisted Dying

In Sure and Certain Hope is a pastoral and theological guide to Anglican approaches to death, dying and Christian burial. It offers compassionate support for individuals, families, clergy and pastoral leaders by exploring grief, end-of-life decisions and the Church’s ministry at the time of death. Rooted in Anglican liturgical tradition and grounded in Scripture, it provides clear guidance for planning funerals, navigating pastoral conversations and offering prayerful presence in times of loss. A companion study guide is also available to support group reflection and parish learning.

The guide brings together theology, liturgy and practical considerations to help communities respond with care, clarity and hope. It includes reflection questions, suggestions for parish preparation and insights into Anglican teaching on resurrection, remembrance and the communion of saints.

Suggested uses

  • Personal reflection during times of grief or end-of-life discernment
  • Parish study groups exploring pastoral care or Christian understandings of death
  • Clergy and lay pastoral teams preparing for funerals or offering bereavement support
  • Resources for diocesan training in pastoral care, bereavement ministry or funeral planning

Key themes

  • Christian hope grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
  • Pastoral care and accompaniment in times of grief and transition
  • The meaning and purpose of Anglican funeral rites
  • Preparing faithfully for death, burial and remembrance
  • Support for families and communities through liturgy, prayer and presence

Best suited for: individuals, caregivers, clergy, parish leaders and pastoral teams seeking Anglican guidance for end-of-life ministry, funeral preparation, bereavement care and theological reflection on death and Christian hope.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.