Priest appeals to govt to allow church funerals

During the state funeral for A.D. Hanna yesterday, Canon Crosley Walkine appealed to the government to allow other families the opportunity to hold church funerals for their loved ones. 

“Like Ancient Man [say], ‘I ain’t asking for much,’” Walkine said during the service. 

“All I’m appealing for us a church service setting so our people can have some traditional semblance of comfort and closure in their time of grief.”

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis and Minister of Health Renward Wells both attended the service. 

Shortly after the country entered a state of emergency last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnis mandated that only graveside funerals, with a limited number of people, were allowed in the country.

That restriction was relaxed throughout The Bahamas in the following months, but not on New Providence. 

On June 21, 2021, Minnis finally relented and allowed funerals and memorial services to occur inside churches on New Providence, provided those services adhere to the public health protocols. 

However, as COVID cases surged in recent weeks, Minnis, on July 25, once again confined funerals on New Providence to graveside services only.

During the service yesterday, Walkine said, “I pause here to say thanks to the government of The Bahamas for being so generous in allowing us, the family and friends of our dear brother, the opportunity to say farewell with all the pomp and pageantry due to a national hero.

“But more importantly, the opportunity to bring closure is the highest form the church offers its members, that is by celebrating the Holy Eucharist during this time of COVID restrictions. I can assure you that the family is indeed grateful for this. 

“I know some may argue, especially during this time of elections, that the government has made some wrong decisions during this time of COVID, but I assure you, you got it right this time because no matter what side of the political, social or economic divide you may be on, Honorable A.D. was first and foremost respected and indeed appreciated and loved by so many. 

“But human beings being human beings, you will no doubt receive some criticism, some flak, for what is happening here today. Although we all appreciate and know the rhyme and reason for having this state funeral for a builder and champion of the nation, there will still be some, and probably rightly so, asking why not the same for their loved ones. 

“So allow me please to use the opportunity to make an appeal to the health professionals and to you the government, that when you meet together again for your deliberations, that in your considerations to consider granting permission to have thanksgiving services, homegoing services, memorials, whatever we may call it, allow them to happen in a church setting using the same protocols we do on Saturdays and Sundays when we meet for normal worship. 

“We are well aware of the ramifications both cultural and social if the body is present, cause you know some of us is carry on bad. 

“But most of us, I believe, can live with the body not being present during the church service and I believe we can live with a given number at the graveside.”

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/priest-appeals-to-govt-to-allow-church-funerals/