Opening the debate on life after death

A discussion at Chester Cathedral this month will be a matter of life and death.

Life, Death and Consciousness: What happens next? is the topic for the latest Assemble on Tuesday, May 26th.   

Open to everyone and free to attend, the event will question the boundaries between mind and matter, life and death.

The expert panel comprises:  

The Very Rev Professor Gordon McPhate, dean emeritus of Chester Cathedral; Dr Michael Daw, a consciousness researcher at the University of Northampton and Mary Ann Cameron, Chester Ghost Tour guide and author of Chester City of Ghosts.

An Anglican priest for almost 50 years, Gordon pursued an academic career in medicine and science, becoming Dean of Chester and Professor of Theology at the University of Chester.  He retired in 2017 and has spoken publicly, including on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Beyond Belief’, about a near-death experience that led him to train for ordained ministry.

Michael’s work explores the possible reality of phenomena such as telepathy, precognition and survival after physical death. He received his PhD exploring the relationship between spiritual and paranormal experiences and fasting and vegetarianism.

Mary Ann's first career was in education, retiring in 2013. She then trained to become a Chester tour guide in what she argues is most actively haunted city in the country.

Members of the audience will be invited to ask questions of the panel and share experiences of their own.

Dean of Chester Dr Tim Stratford, who will welcome the panel, said:

“Questions and debates around life and death have captivated the imagination of humanity for millennia.

“This opportunity to explore these issues with our expert panel will certainly fuel the imagination.

“Everyone is always welcome to Chester Cathedral and our Assemble events are an open invitation to come and discuss topical issues.”

The Assemble event begins in Café 1092 (the refectory) at 6.45pm with refreshments available from 6.15pm. 

Free tickets are available from the Chester Cathedral website:

chestercathedral.com