Death studies
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Although faith communities may seem to be logical places to discuss death and dying, few churches are engaged in extensive efforts to improve end-of-life care. To explore the meaning of a good death and potential roles for faith communities in this effort, the authors held focus groups involving 121 clergy and congregants affiliated with Christian churches in Honolulu. ⋯ A number of participants noted that attention to spiritual issues at life's end would be important to all people, and churches wanting to increase membership should expand offerings in this area. These findings suggest that faith communities can have a major impact on improving end-of-life care and that pastoral education include attention to these issues.