A crematorium in South Wales that had banned mourners from saying the Lord's Prayer together, has backtracked on its decision after coronavirus rules were clarified.
Funeral celebrant Alison Davies was approached by a Bridgend council official who told her she had broken the Welsh Government’s rules as ‘chanting’ was not allowed.
In a statement, Bridgend Council has confirmed that reciting the Lord's Prayer is allowed and said that they were “previously not aware that these regulations were open to interpretation.”
Mrs Davies has welcomed the decision but feels it could have been dealt with differently.
“It was all very unprofessional and could have been handled so differently. I hope it serves as a warning to other councils and crematoriums that the wishes of those who are mourning at this time should not be taken away and restricted unnecessarily.
“The Lord’s Prayer is very comforting to many, whether you are a Christian or not.”
Reacting to the story Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, the body that has advised Mrs Davies in this process, has commended the council on their change of policy.
“We welcome this U-turn from the council and are glad that common sense has prevailed.
“There has never been a ban on saying prayers together at a low volume, as the Welsh government has made clear.
“Those with responsibilities for churches, crematoriums and chapels need to know what the law really says and apply it with common sense and compassion. Unnecessary interventions and confrontations like this hurt the grieving process and cannot be undone. “