I got this in an email a couple of weeks ago. I think it raises questions around a matter where pain is raw and enforcing un-thought-out rules is difficult.
Last week I watched on the webcam the funeral service of a friend in a Catholic church in Derry. It was a most unedifying experience.
The coffin and relatives filed into the church and the priest announced that only 25 people could be present. Three times he appealed for people to leave. He was approached by the sister of the deceased and then by the daughter, all of whom appeared to be very upset. Since no one seemed to be listening, the wife of the deceased who was visibly distressed stood up up and asked people to leave.
I spoke later to her and she told me that she had to write a list of 25 people to give to the priest. It was very difficult as there are large families on both sides, and her late husband was a prominent businessman and an ex-republican prisoner.
So here is my question -or questions. Who in the Health Department in Stormont decided that only 25 people can attend funerals? Who decided that names must be given to clerics or ministers who officiate at services?What is the penalty if people choose to remain in the church? This particular church can seat 300 people. What politicians passed this legislation and why? How did those who decided on 25 people arrange for this to be policed and by whom? Last but not least: was the decision to permit only 25 people agreed to by Church authorities, and when did this consultation take place?
I am aware of the difficulties in respect of this virus and the need to prevent spread . But I am of the opinion that this legislation was not thought out properly.
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