From the Archdeacon of St Albans
Sir, - Few, surely, could fail to be moved by Sister Rosemary's
account of the funeral service for Dr Denise Inge (Diary, 16 May). I am
saddened, therefore, that she began by saying "this was no ordinary
funeral," with the implication that some funerals are ordinary.
Like most ministers, I have conducted funerals ranging from
occasions of intricate liturgy with soaring music and symbolism to
quiet occasions at the crematorium attended by few mourners
accompanied by piped music. No Christian funeral is ordinary,
because it is a thanksgiving to Almighty God for the unique and
distinct way each human being, created through his love, bears the
divine image; and it is also an expression by the bereaved of the
sanctity of human love being a sacrament of God's love.
JONATHAN SMITH
6 Sopwell Lane, St Albans AL1 1RR