The Revd Writes…

Every now and again one comes across a churchyard story in the media, as has recently occurred at Colden Common, involving distressed relatives who find themselves at loggerheads with church authorities as to what is, and what is not allowed, by way of memorials on graves.

It might be helpful to explain at the outset that Church of England churchyards are governed by rules and regulations that are set by the Chancellor of the Diocese and not by the local vicar or parochial church council. The Chancellor of a Diocese, in the case of Winchester Diocese, Mr Cain Ormondroyd, is a lawyer who sits as Judge in the consistory court – the forum where legal disputes over church buildings and churchyards are settled. Civic cemeteries, managed by the local burial authority – usually the parish council – are governed by rules and regulations, which are often more liberal in what is permissible. This can be confusing especially where a parish burial ground seamlessly adjoins a churchyard, as at Barton Stacey and Wonston.

Newly revised regulations have recently been issued which clarify and emphasise the distinctiveness of churchyards as final resting places for loved ones. The regulations stipulate very clearly that churchyards are attached to church buildings, which are used by the community for worship, and as such, there is a strong sense of continuity between the churchyard and the church in reflecting Christian doctrine and purpose. Many who visit churchyards today will view the church and the churchyard as separate entities – visiting one but not the other – but in terms of how both are managed the church authorities see them as one coterminous whole. There is no difference between church and churchyard.

The revised regulations stipulate that in terms of theology, “memorials in a consecrated churchyard must not be contrary to, nor indicative of any departure from, the doctrine of the Church of England in any essential matter…” In other words, it would not be permitted for a gravestone to be decorated with symbols of another faith in a churchyard. The regulations add further that, “the appearance of the memorial in itself is important. It should not have an appearance which is discordant or likely to detract from the atmosphere of the churchyard as a place of quiet prayer, reflection and commemoration.” It is this “atmosphere” that links both church and churchyard most intimately together. The guidelines laid down are there to ensure that all pilgrims, those bereaved and those quietly passing through, are given equal opportunity to experience the sacredness of place in which to reflect on the meaning of life and death.

An important question, always asked, when trying to resolve a gravestone question, ‘Does this proposed memorial stone add to or detract from its setting?’

God Bless

Mark