No one should really need reminding that British Christians and the secular alike still make up the majority of the population, but are increasingly second class citizens in our own country as the Islamic faith tightens its grip on all aspects of daily life, from halal food being served up for all pupils in schools and all inmates in prisons to police officers forcing individuals to stop flying St. George’s flags from their homes or vehicles.
Now in a new development second class treatment of kufrs (non-believers) continues in death after a Midlands council announced plans for a multi-faith cemetery in which all graves will be aligned with the Mecca.
Christian graves traditionally face east although as space in churchyards and council cemeteries diminishes many of today’s grave are dug in whatever space is available.
Facing east is a tradition dating back to the time of Christ and reflects the belief that the second coming of Jesus Christ will be first seen in the east.
But all headstones at the new £2.5m High Wood Cemetery in Bulwell, Nottingham will be plotted to face north-east, in line with Islamic faith and Christians who make a special request to have a traditional east-facing grave may be forced to pay for what the council calls "extra maintenance".
Muslims believe the dead look over their shoulder towards the Islamic holy city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia towards the south-east.
The controversial decision was taken after consultation with the city's Cemeteries Consultative Committee.OppositionAnd at last some senior church figures are speaking out against this ridiculous decision by the Labour controlled City of Nottingham Council
The Rev David Gray, from St John's Church, Bulwell, said: "All faiths should have their beliefs respected."It would be wrong to stipulate one over the other, especially in our climate of trying to be sensitive of other people's beliefs."It is an evolving cemetery and should be made for people of all faiths and certainly people of Christian faiths."For some people it doesn't matter, but for those who prefer that they are facing east it is important." "Perhaps as the cemetery evolves there could be some sort of alteration," said Mr Gray. "I hope that that would be the case, so those of the Christian faith, just like anybody, would not feel excluded from their faith.
"Conflicts with tradition
Rachel Farmer, a spokeswoman for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, said: "Positioning all the graves in the direction of Mecca conflicts with the long-standing Christian burial tradition of graves facing towards the east. We believe the people of Nottingham should have the opportunity to follow the Christian burial traditions if they choose to and the Christian faith should not be discriminated against in this way.
"The 2001 census showed that more than 70% of the population consider themselves Christian."This new policy will limit the choice of the majority in relation to burials at this new cemetery."We totally support an inclusive policy for graveyards, which takes into account the religious traditions of all faiths, but this should not be done to the exclusion of another.
"Council defence
Steve Dowling, services director for Environment and Public Protection, defended the council’s decision citing that many graves in Nottingham often do not follow the tradition of facing east.He said: "High Wood is a large and beautiful site with room to meet everyone's needs."In the first phase of development it has been agreed that the graves will face north east."For people of the Muslim faith this fits in with a religious requirement, but it will also ensure a tidy appearance for the site as a whole."Consultation with a wide variety of groups will continue as the cemetery evolves and there will be an opportunity to consider any suggestions and special wishes.
"It seems that in death as well as life, the British majority must give way to the demands of a vociferous, unyielding and belligerent minority.
Row erupts over 'PC' cemetery where headstones face Mecca
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