Running out of burial space
Wales is running out of space to bury its dead. Wow.
Church in Wales running out of space to bury its dead
From the Anglican Communion News Service
Wales is running out of space to bury its dead and needs a co-ordinated policy to tackle the issue seriously.In unrelated news, the Church in Wales is inviting comment on the Anglican Covenant.That’s one of the stark facts the Church in Wales is highlighting in a series of briefing notes about its work to candidates standing for the Welsh Assembly election.
It estimates that two-thirds of the Church’s 1,000 burial grounds will be full in 10 years’ time and calls for a Government Commission to look into provision across Wales.
It also warns that it is facing a funding crisis in the care of its burial grounds which are maintained by each local congregation with no formal state aid. It has identified £16m of works to ensure paths, walls and monuments are repaired and kept safe.
Alex Glanville, head of Property Services for the Church in Wales, warned it will become increasingly harder for people to be buried in their local communities.
He said, “We can no longer take it for granted that we will have a last resting place in or near our community. The majority of our churchyards will soon be full and we do not have the resources to extend them or open new ones."
Don't the believe in cremation? or perhaps they can do like the military cemeteries and stand the caskets on end.
Posted by Ann Fontaine![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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April 6, 2011 7:47 PM
The object is dust to dust so recycle, recycle. recycle. For centuries churchyards reused burial space. Once the oak cross (none of this vain stone stuff) marking the grave disintegrated, the bones were dug up and placed in the charnal house under the church. The grave could then be reused.
In New Orleans, after a year, remains in the above ground crypts are pushed into an underground space and the above ground shelf is ready for reuse.
In parts of Asia, after a year, the family gathers for a dis-intererment. The bones are washed and placed in container that the family then takes home so that the ancestor can be honored.
Then, of course, there's always cremation, as Ann, says. If one is to be buried standing up, wear comfortable shoes.
Posted by Paul Woodrum![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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April 7, 2011 9:38 AM