Dementia’s liminality: theological, ecclesiological and research implications

Dementia is a rich, complex and pressing topic for theological discussion and for individual and corporate Christian life.
This paper draws upon recent research conducted in the UK and Australia, exploring life and faith amid dementia, and their implications for theological education and for churches.
It shows that dementia demands dwelling in the liminal ‘now and not yet’ reality between easter and eternity.
First, it suggests that supporting those affected by dementia requires willingness both to acknowledge and respond caringly to the mental, physical, social and spiritual pain which it can cause, while also determinedly sustaining and generating narratives which affirm the value, agency and social significance of those living with dementia.
Secondly, dementia thus evokes lament, which inextricably holds together hopefulness and hopelessness, faith and fear, anticipation and anguish.
Third, dementia demands better inclusion, welcome and listening, by churches and Christian communities – including TEIs – actualizing willingness, while acknowledging that imperfections will persist.
This is the reality into which theological dementia research speaks: one which accepts that its insights and implementation will be imperfect and partial, yet maintains firm hope and belief that progress towards more Christ-like communities is possible. The authors welcome insights into how best to actualise this.