Facing the End of Life

Facing the end of life, one of the most challenging aspects of humanity, will be the topic of a Community Forum at the Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Newbury Park on Friday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Bart Campolo, Humanist chaplain at the University of Southern California, will offer his thoughts on how those in the secularist community can think and talk about death in ways that are comforting and constructive, whether it be about one's own impending demise, grieving the loss of a loved one or trying to help someone come to grips with mortality.

As a Humanist chaplain, Campolo works to inspire and support non-believers to pursue goodness in an openly secular way. He spent nearly three decades as an evangelical inner-city minister before turning to Humanism. His discussion of mortality is informed by awareness that secular communities often lack the understanding, language and rituals needed to support each other in making sense of life's most intimidating ultimate question.

Campolo, the son of evangelical minister Tony Campolo, is co-author with his father of the book "Why I Left, Why I Stayed." In the book, father and son reflect on Bart's spiritual odyssey from progressive Christianity to humanism, and how that painful schism between father and son offered each a valuable look at not only what separated them but what they shared.

Bart Campolo will lead a discussion about mortality after his presentation and will sign copies of the book after the event. The forum at 3327 Old Conejo Road in Newbury Park is open to the public and free; donations will be welcome to help cover expenses.

For information, visit forum.cvuuf.org or contact Dana Ryon through the church office at (805) 498-9548.