Episode Details

What do you give the love of your life as a final birthday gift when they only have days left? That's the tender moment Reverend Jim Colville shares with us in this powerful chat. It's an act of love that perfectly sums up Jim's radical, non-judgemental approach to life, death, and dying.

Jim, the man who started Colony 47 in Hobart in 1973, joins me to discuss his work offering unconditional acceptance to everyone rejected by 1970s society—from young single mums to the LGBTQIA+ community. He tells us how he fought intense judgement, even being called a communist for painting a church door red! Jim's ministry has always been unconventional.

He shares beautiful insights on supporting people through traumatic, sudden death, and why silence is often better than trying to talk. Jim also recounts the deeply personal story of caring for his wife, Margaret, as she was dying from lung cancer. This led to his final, most enduring gift to her: a hidden tattoo he showed her just before she died. Tune in for a powerful, funny, and unforgettable chat about facing death and finding humanity in the toughest times.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The founding of Colony 47 in 1973 as a hub for non-judgemental acceptance.
• Jim’s philosophy of acceptance and focusing on "what can be" for the rejected.
• The minister's tattoo: a profoundly personal gift Jim gave his dying wife, Margaret.
• The importance of sensitivity, presence, and silence when supporting those grieving a death.
• The legacy of Colony 47, which has now evolved into HomeBase, assisting Tasmanians.

Resources & links mentioned:

Colony 47/HomeBase (Support for Tasmanians) https://homebasetas.org.au/

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

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