The subject of this special issue of Rural Theology, Churches and Older People, can be regarded as in large measure the product of the St Mary’s Centre symposium, held annually in North Wales, since this has been attended regularly by no less than six of the article authors. This has marked a welcome expansion of the symposium’s long-term emphasis upon religious education and pastoral concerns, especially in view of the predominance of older people in the mainstream Christian denominations in the UK.
The thrust of the articles has been two-fold. First, they challenge the deficit model of ageing in favour of one that affirms the contribution that older people have to make, if allowed and encouraged, in churches and communities arising from their rich life experience and faith journeys. In terms of spiritual development the so-called third and fourth ages can prove the most fecund.
This is the signal message of the initial article by Paul Rolph et al, based on the responses of 48 participants, which is framed to help churches decide whether they need to reassess the value of older people in the life of their churches and whether their spiritual needs are being met. Keith Albans offers a fascinating archaeological metaphor of the changed scenario that older people face, interpreted in positive terms by three contemporary writers. Peter Babington’s action research project in the former ‘model village’ of Bournville, which is now a part of suburban south Birmingham, can be a pointer for churches in all areas of the country.
The other theme in the articles recognises that there is of course a shadow side to growing older and focuses on the isolation and loneliness of many aged people, while recognising the value many place on independence and privacy. I have not counted up the overall frequency of the occurrence of ‘lonely’ and its cognates but it is considerable.
Stella Mills helpfully assesses the effectiveness in alleviating social and emotional loneliness of two complementary interventions in urban and rural settings. The article by Jewell et al, based on the ready and at times heart-breaking responses of 53 churchgoing family carers of persons with dementia, reveals how they cope with their draining role and how their churches may better help them in the task they face.
As someone who recently passed the age of 80, it has been a real privilege to act as guest editor, through which I have continued to learn so much.