Grave ceremonies
Sir: The British Humanist Association is an admirer of Mr Ludovic Kennedy's forthright views on religion and ethics (Diary, 8 February) and our opinions would normally coincide, but I would like to cor- rect the impression he may have given about the availability and standing of Humanist funeral officiants.
Mr Kennedy is quite right to point out that one of the grave ceremonies of life ought to be carried out professionally, and he asks: 'Who else but a priest can do this?' The British Humanist Association has a register of funeral contacts and officiants, organised on a regional network basis, and a co-ordination telephone help-line (0608 52063) which offers a 365-day, 24-hour answering facility for bereaved families and funeral directors who wish to arrange a non-religious funeral, cremation or burial, in whatever location. It has also published a booklet, Funerals without God, a practical guide for anyone contemplating the non- religious option.
Humanist officiants, of both sexes, though strictly volunteers, and from various walks of life, have nevertheless generally received some training, are experienced in dealing with the bereaved, are capable of conducting sensitive funeral ceremonies for all circumstances, normally charge a rea- sonable fee to cover at least their expenses, and would certainly consider their services to be of a 'professional' nature.
I venture to suggest that this evaluation would be confirmed by funeral directors throughout the country, who deal with Humanist officiants on behalf of inevitably grateful families, usually also relieved and pleased to have been given the opportunity of executing last wishes and providing a dignified, appropriate and, above all, mean- ingful funeral ceremony.
Nigel Collins
Ceremonies Co-ordinator, British Haumanist Assiciation Fosse Manor Farm, Stratford Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
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