Funerals

I've attended two funerals in recent days in Anglican churches, taken by clergy who in both cases kept fairly closely to the standard funeral liturgy. Both services were well-taken, and with a real sense of empathy and pastoral support for the families and friends involved. Often when the standard service is used it can feel like an exercise in just getting from the beginning to the end; not so in either of these cases (nor, knowing the clergy involved, would I have expected it to be). We can often moan about "having to use the book", and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that these days it can be a breath of fresh air to start with a blank sheet of paper rather than a whole lot of words.  The truth is, though, that the C of E funeral liturgy actually contains a great deal of good stuff . . . as ever, it's how it's used, and the time taken in preparation and as the service progresses, that makes the difference. I think these families will have really felt cared for, nurtured and supported at this sad time for them.