Grieving families upset by church rules (From Stroud News and Journal)

Grieving families upset by church rules

GRIEVING families in Leonard Stanley have been told they cannot decorate the graves of loved ones with any sentimental momentoes.

A notice has gone up on the graveyard gate at St Swithun's Church which states only fresh flowers are allowed on gravestones.

People have been asked to remove plastic flowers, lanterns and other items not sanctioned by the church authorities.

Parishioners have been told they can apply to the church in writing if they want to put unorthodox decorations on the graves.

Student Kerry Mann whose family live in the village thought the world of her grandfather.

She has put a horseshoe on his grave as a reminder of his love of horses.

"My gramp was really into horses, they were one of his hobbies so we thought it would be nice to have this on his grave to remember him by.

"Now we might have to move it.

"I think we should be allowed to put whatever we want on the graves - it's a place to remember people and this is how we want to do it."

"They shouldn't be trying to dictate to us what we can and can't put on the graves.

"Saying we have to write to them if we wish to put anything on there is a bit over the top," she said.

"It's like we have to ask permission to remember him.

"We accept there have got to be some rules but this is totally wrong."

But Rev John Horan, a spokesman for the Gloucestershire diocese, defended the decision to put up the sign which he claims is in line with regulations.

"The diocese is fortunate in having a large number of beautiful church yards and this is one," he said.

"Every request to put anything in a churchyard should be put in writing to the minister with a full description of the work and a simple form is always available.

"Over recent weeks the church council has been concerned that the graveyard was beginning to lose some of its beauty because inappropriate things were being put on crosses and headstones."

He said the Reverend Sue Phillipson-Masters, minister of St Swithun's has explained this to a number of people affected by the decision.

Mr Horan said: "The church is extremely sensitive to the feelings of relatives and Sue Phillipson-Masters will gladly speak to individuals and families affected by the decision.

"At the end of the day it is a matter for the church council."