OUR MISSION
About Ars Moriendi Project
Dignity and justice for elders and their caregivers — through theology, practical tools, and truth-telling.
THE ORIGINS OF ARS MORIENDI
The Ars Moriendi (“The Art of Dying”) emerged around 1415 in the aftermath of the Black Death, which had killed a third of Europe’s population—and vast numbers of clergy along with them. Likely written by a Dominican friar at the request of the Council of Constance, these Latin texts filled a pastoral vacuum by guiding laypeople on how to “die well” without a priest present, addressing final temptations, prayers, and deathbed conduct. Translated into most Western European languages, the Ars Moriendi became the first sustained Western tradition of guides to death and dying.
Our Mission
Ars Moriendi Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to dignity and justice for elders and their caregivers.
We believe aging should be met with honor, not ageism. Caregiving should be valued, not exploited. And dying should be on one’s own terms, not dictated by broken systems.
Through education, resources, theological reflection, and honest conversations, we equip individuals and communities to reclaim agency over aging, caregiving, and end-of-life.
Our Story
Meet the Founder
Ars Moriendi Project was founded by Rev. Richard T. Beeman, M.Div., who brings over 40 years of experience as a chaplain serving elder populations in institutional settings.
Throughout his ministry, Rick witnessed firsthand the systematic devaluation of elders and exploitation of caregivers within healthcare and faith institutions. He saw how structural ageism stripped dignity from those approaching life’s end, and how the invisible labor of care work went unrecognized and undercompensated.
Ars Moriendi Project emerged from this calling — to challenge these injustices through theological framework, practical tools, and truth-telling.
What We Do
Our Work
We center our efforts in three interconnected areas:
Toward a Just Aging
An elder liberation theology challenging structural ageism in faith communities and society.
Caregiver Liberation
Exposing the exploitation of care workers and advocating for dignity and justice in caregiving.
The Art of Dying Well
Practical tools for advance care planning, medical proxy decisions, and end-of-life autonomy.
Our Reach
Our Impact
We reach thousands through our websites, Substack newsletters, books, videos, and presentations. We provide free, accessible resources for elders, caregivers, clergy, and communities navigating the realities of aging and dying with dignity.
Learn more about our work through our network of sites:
Support Our Work
Your tax-deductible gift supports free resources for elders, caregivers, and communities.
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