The funeral of Princess Diana has recently been criticized by the official magazine of the ultra-strict Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland (known as the 'Wee Wee Frees'). According to a report in The Times of London, Rev Neil Ross 'accuses the clergy at her funeral of "Romish superstition" because of the way they addressed not God but the deceased.'
This happened at the end of the funeral service, when the Dean of Westminster, Wesley Carr, faced the coffin and gave the commendation:
Diana, our companion in faith and sister in Christ, we entrust you to God.
Go forth from this world in the love of the Father, who created you;
In the mercy of Jesus Christ, who died for you;
In the power of the Holy Spirit, who strengthens you…
What do you think? Various Christian traditions, including the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches, address words at the funeral to the person who has died. Does this make sense? Is it a Christian practice – or is it pagan? Did you notice this happening in Princess Diana's funeral service, and how did it make you feel? Write to Ship of Fools and let us know…
Can anyone tell me what the point is of talking to the deceased person's body at their funeral? Can they hear these words? Does it do them any good to be told these things? Isn't it like talking to someone on a train who has their eyes shut and their Walkman turned up to the max? A bit pointless, I think.
Perhaps the Wee Wee Frees would also have attacked Jesus for 'Romish superstition'? I'm sure they believe that Lazarus was well and truly dead when Jesus shouted into the mouth of his grave: 'Lazarus, come out!' And didn't he also tell a dead girl: 'Little girl, arise'? There are probably other examples from the Old Testament, too – such as David, lamenting for his son: 'O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you – O Absalom, my son, my son!' I can just imagine Rev Ross of the Wee Wee Frees taking Jesus and David on one side and putting them right about this!
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