Imagine Hosts Faith, Loss, and Spirituality Panel

Event part of Rabbi Earl Grollman Grief Education Series

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, will host a Faith, Loss, and Spirituality Panel on Thursday, March 5, 2026, bringing together respected faith leaders from across the community for an evening of thoughtful conversation, reflection and connection. The event is free and open to the public.

Why it matters

The panel aims to explore how spirituality, belief, and faith traditions intersect with grief, offering insight into how individuals and communities navigate loss while seeking meaning, hope, and healing.

The details

Following its success as a standout breakout session at last year's Grief Education Conference, the panel returns by popular demand. Moderated by Minister Najiyyah Bailey, the panel will feature a diverse group of spiritual leaders representing multiple faith traditions, including Rabbi Victor Apell, Marie Thompson, Reverend Eyesha Marable, Reverend Alison V. Philip, and Pastor Christopher Flynn.

  • The event will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • Doors will open at 5:45 p.m., with a light dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the panel discussion from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The players

Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss

A 501c3 that offers training and education on loss and grief to the community and free year-round grief support groups for children ages 3-18 and young adults 19-30 who are coping with a loss due to death.

Minister Najiyyah Bailey

A faith leader and grief awareness advocate at Imagine who will moderate the panel.

Rabbi Victor Apell

Representing Temple Emanu-El in Westfield.

Marie Thompson

Representing Masjid As-Habul Yameen in East Orange.

Reverend Eyesha Marable

Representing Mt. Zion AME Church in Millburn and NJPAC Community Engagement.

Reverend Alison V. Philip

Representing First United Methodist Church of Westfield.

Pastor Christopher Flynn

Representing Renaissance Church in Springfield.

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What’s next

Community members who are navigating loss, supporting someone who is grieving, or seeking a deeper understanding of the relationship between faith and grief are encouraged to register for the event at Imaginenj.org/events.

The takeaway

The Faith, Loss, and Spirituality Panel aims to deepen public understanding of grief and bereavement by exploring how different faith traditions can provide meaning, hope, and healing for those coping with loss.