Comments on: Pugnacious priests and supine celebrants http://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/2009/11/pugnacious-priests-and-supine-celebrants/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pugnacious-priests-and-supine-celebrants Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:42:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Deborah McGregor http://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/2009/11/pugnacious-priests-and-supine-celebrants/comment-page-1/#comment-38443 Deborah McGregor Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:34:08 +0000 http://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/2009/11/10/pugnacious-priests-and-supine-celebrants/#comment-38443 I found this a very interesting stance, particularly so as I am currently conducting research into the use of the curtains during the cremation service. In my opinion this stance epitomises the Clergy's 'ownership' of the funeral service in relation to their role in representing their associated religion. Why should the act of committal 'belong' to religion? In my role as a celebrant I still include a committal as part of my service ... my words reflect the fact that we are not committing the deceased to some eternal life in God (although of course we may well be!!) ... but, moreso ... "We commit Fred's body to the elements and allow his spirit to free." Should anyone be interested I have a short Powerpoint presentation that on research that I have carried out on a discourse analysis of Ministers and FD subject views in relation to this. I found this a very interesting stance, particularly so as I am currently conducting research into the use of the curtains during the cremation service.

In my opinion this stance epitomises the Clergy’s ‘ownership’ of the funeral service in relation to their role in representing their associated religion.

Why should the act of committal ‘belong’ to religion?

In my role as a celebrant I still include a committal as part of my service … my words reflect the fact that we are not committing the deceased to some eternal life in God (although of course we may well be!!) … but, moreso …

“We commit Fred’s body to the elements and allow his spirit to free.”

Should anyone be interested I have a short Powerpoint presentation that on research that I have carried out on a discourse analysis of Ministers and FD subject views in relation to this.

]]>