Christian Perspective onSuicide Workshop
Date: 29th April 2023
Time: 9am-12:30pm
Location: MST (5 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna)
(Morning tea provided)
Many people experience suicidal ideation at some point in their life. Christians are not immune from suicidal thinking and suicide. Unfortunately, suicide is a taboo subject among Christians and the Church. When someone talks about suicide or mentions about a Christian who has attempted or committed suicide, we too often shy away because we are at a loss for word or feel uncomfortable. Requests for prayer for a friend or family member who is admitted for attempted suicide is done very secretly, if at all. Even those who need prayer or support because they feel suicidal often keep silent because of the perceived response/reactions from fellow Christians. This is very sad indeed, as the Church is supposed to be a caring community whatever the need.
This workshop is being conducted with the hope that as Christians we can be more open in discussing the issue of suicide. This has to start with some understanding of suicide, followed by the facts about who are particularly vulnerable and why (some of the reasons) for suicidal behaviour. This is then followed by some theological considerations of suicide and finally how we as Christians and the Church can respond to fellow Christians who are suicidal and suicide survivors.
Presenter: Prof Kuruvilla George (KG)
Kuruvilla George (KG) is the Associate Director at CTP. He completed his medical education in India and his post-graduation as a psychiatrist in the UK. He currently lives in Melbourne Australia and recently retired as the Director of Medical Services at Peter James Centre and Wantirna Health and Clinical Director of Aged Person’s Mental Health and ECT for Eastern Health. KG was also a Clinical Professor at Deakin University and Clinical Associate Professor at Monash University. He served as the deputy chief psychiatrist for the state of Victoria from 2002 to 2012.
