(Guyana Graphic October 12, 1968)
A recent decision by Christian Ministers not to officiate at funerals on Sundays has offended members of various denominations in Berbice.
Since the decision was taken by the Ministers, clergymen in Berbice have refused to perform last rites at funeral services on Sundays.
The ruling was applied in the case of a member of the Anglican church in New Amsterdam who died recently.
The priest in charge however performed the last rites at the graveside after seeking special permission to do so from the Archbishop of the West Indies in Georgetown.
Commenting on the situation yesterday, Anglican priest Fr. A.L.Luker of New Amsterdam said: This is a directive by the Archbishop with which I am in agreement.”
Fr. Luker observed that quite recently funerals of persons who died early in the week had been kept back for Sundays for no other reason than to have a large turn-out.
Sundays he said, were some of the busiest days for the clergy.
Fr. Luker said that persons who died on Saturdays and for some good reason could not be buried before Sunday, would be given the last rites at the graveside instead of being accorded the funeral service in Church.
