The Last Journey – The Funeral Rites and Cultural Needs of Gypsies and Travellers
Although death is a biological process, it is the rites, observances, and memorials that often help us to cope with the passing of loved ones, and these processes are shaped by cultural, religious, and family traditions (Collins and Doolittle, 2006). The aim of this study was to learn more about death rites of Gypsy and Traveller families and to identify any significant concerns in order to help funeral directors, and churches, to respond to their cultural needs.
Suggested Guidance for Churches Considering Possible Sanctuary Stopping
Have an honest discussion with your leadership team, and the governing body of your church. For Anglican Churches this will be the parochial Church Council (PCC). What are the reasons for wanting to offer a space, what are the concerns? It is important that everyone feels able to talk and raise any matters.
Guidance on writing character references for Court by Father John Chadwick
In this short article Father John gives helpful guidance on how to do this, and just as importantly, what not to do.
Father John Chadwick is co-founder of Margaret Clitherow Trust, and qualified practitioner in Criminal Law.
Environmental racism, segregation and discrimination: Gypsy and Traveller sites in Great Britain
Local authority sites for Gypsies and Travellers are often in bad locations, near pollution and with poor facilities. This hurts their health and is a form of discrimination. The study suggests looking at private sites too, since most Travellers live there, to better understand the problem and improve future planning.
