Rector’s Ashes Mix-Up: A Lesson in Procedure and Accountability

A rector in the Diocese of Portsmouth has been fined for a grave mistake – literally. The cleric took cremated ashes out of one plot and put them into another without permission, sparking a controversy that has led to a Consistory Court judgment. The error occurred when the rector discovered that the original plot, which already contained the remains of another family member, was not in the correct location in the churchyard. In an attempt to correct the mistake, the rector dug up the ashes and reinterred them in the correct plot, but without obtaining the necessary permissions or faculty from the diocese.

The diocese’s Consistory Court has now ordered the rector to pay the costs of preparing its judgment. While the court was satisfied that the rector had made a genuine mistake and had dealt with the situation in an “honest and pastorally sensitive manner,” it emphasized the importance of following proper procedures. The family of the deceased has accepted an apology from the rector, who has promised to review procedures to avoid similar situations in the future.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and procedure in religious institutions. While the rector’s intentions were good, the lack of proper permissions and faculty led to a serious mistake. The diocese’s response demonstrates its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that mistakes are addressed and learned from. As the rector moves forward, it is likely that greater care will be taken to follow procedures and avoid similar errors.