Several of us from Christians on Ageing were privileged to attend the lecture and discussion presented via Zoom by Dr Donald Macaskill for Faith in Older People on 11 May 2021
This was a moving and intensely informative occasion. Dr Macaskill explored the relationship between Human Rights, Spirituality and Belief. Highlights included learning more about:
- Malcolm Goldsmith, known via his books: Malcolm Goldsmith books and biography | Waterstones
- Valentine Zuber’s ‘Are Human Rights of religious origin? 01-sur-29-ingles-valentine-zuber.pdf (conectas.org)
- The affirmation that human beings are of equal worth and dignity.
- The work of George McLeod Around a Thin Place (ionabooks.com);
- Dustin N Sharp and the Journal of Human Rights OP-JHUM190017 296..304 (silverchair.com)
- Eleanor Roosevelt and small places: In Small Places, Close to Home: The Beginnings of Universal Human Rights (american.edu)
We were then taken to consider the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic and evidence that it has exposed inequalities of treatment, age discrimination, and discrimination against people with disabilities and particular illnesses, including dementia.
We reflected on the consequences of indemnity of risk being extended within the NHS but not extended to care homes. Clinical Negligence Scheme for Coronavirus – NHS Resolution and the decision in Scotland that every care home death within care homes during the pandemic will be investigated: The full picture of Covid-linked deaths in Scotland’s care homes – BBC News
This was an educational, motivating and inspirational hour.
We are grateful to Maureen O’Neill of Faith in Older People who has graciously assented to offering access to the transcript of the lecture and its PowerPoint, writing: Following on from last week’s Lecture given by Dr Donald Macaskill, we are writing to let you know that both the Lecture and the PowerPoint presentation are now available to download from our website should you wish to have copies.
Click HERE to access the items.
David Jolley Christians on Ageing May 2021
