Judging by the letters in your columns, the article (Ban funeral eulogies, December 9) has seriously misled some readers.
The article was based on my piece Solving the funeral dilemma at mylastsong.com in which I did not call for any ban, but simply describe how best to plan a Christian funeral while remaining sensitive to the feelings of the bereaved.
The dilemma is many people want a church funeral but are unfamiliar with church. God has provided shepherds to tend His flock, which includes lost and weeping sheep. Such tender care is greatly needed at a funeral. It is for this reason that I strongly disagree with the idea of families virtually running funeral services. Members of the family can speak afterwards at the reception but at the service it is best to let the word of God be ministered to them with its unique comfort.
One description in the Bible of what happens at death is given by King Solomon: “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7) A service to mark such a profound event should be undertaken with the greatest degree of respect and awe. A traditional funeral is greatly aided by the impeccable demeanour of our local funeral directors.
I feel foolish having to defend myself but I need to stress that my use of the traditional Church of England Book of Common Prayer burial service is for and not against the bereaved families. That is why in the original article I say that I feel it is best to politely refuse the quite substantial minister’s fee for funerals.
Many ministers are poor and are worthy of receiving a fee but I feel that to be able to offer the service without charge “gives a better impression at a time when we are so much wanting to express our sympathy and love”.
Finally the article was quite clear that I am a minister of the Church of England (Continuing), which is not to be confused with the Church of England. For further information see cofec.org.
REVEREND PETER RATCLIFF, Mill Road, Wimbledon
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