​​​​​​​As I sit and reflect upon the bizarre events of the last week, in which against what seemed massive odds, the Church of England won an award that recognised we ‘do good funerals', I am reminded of the bishops words as priests are ordained, “With all God's people, they are to tell the story of God's love and minister to the sick and prepare the dying for their deathâ€.
Every week the Church of England is involved with around 3000 funerals, 2000 baptisms of children under 12 and 1000 weddings.
You may have seen the funeral of the great pub landlady, Peggy Mitchell, which took place in the BBC's Albert Square. It was full of wonderful East End traditions, like the horse drawn bier led by the funeral conductor and the people standing by in respect.
The Revd Helen Hancock, Team Rector of the Tolworth, Hook & Surbiton Team Ministry and Emma Sparre-Slater, Senior Funeral Director & Training Officer for Dignity Caring Funerals, offer their thoughts on ‘what makes a good funeral'.
