Sir, – I found Brian Whiteside’s article on humanism in Monday’s Irish Times interesting (“Humanist ceremonies give non-religious the enlightenment they find lacking in church”, Rite & Reason, July 11th). I consider myself a Christian but one who has a difficulty with organised religion; this became a little difficult as my wife was a Church of Ireland rector.
However, of my three children, two had relatively normal Christian weddings but my younger son and his wife opted for a humanist wedding. To me this was refreshing as there was only one focus to the occasion: the couple concerned. There was no attempt to tie in the very happy and spiritual occasion to anything other than my son and his wife. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK
ROWLEY-BROOKE,
Nenagh,
Co Tipperary.
Sir, – I would be of a similar persuasion to Brian Whiteside but my wife is a Catholic.
There is absolutely no issue with this; however, we want to be buried in the same location!
The problem I have is that we live in the country and the only graveyards in our area, and particularly the one we want to be buried in, are owned by the church. I believe, because I was baptised, I am entitled to be buried in a Catholic graveyard. However, my issue is how do I get in without having a priest presiding over my burial!
Is there a solution to this dilemma? – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN MAGEE,
Clara,
Co Offaly.