A humanist celebrant is urging the UK and Welsh governments to impose a temporary ban on funeral services, citing the distress caused by inconsistent limits on mourner numbers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lorraine Barrett, a former Welsh assembly member and celebrant of 11 years, said the current situation has created a “mishmash” of approaches, with some crematoria banning attendees entirely while others allow limited numbers under social distancing rules. She argued that a clear prohibition would protect families, crematorium staff, and funeral workers.
The Welsh Government’s guidance does not set a fixed limit on attendees but requires they stay two metres apart. However, individual crematoria have imposed arbitrary caps, leaving families to decide which members can attend—a decision that Barrett described as “really, really distressing.”
Funeral directors have echoed these concerns. Dean Thomas of Caerphilly Funeral Services called for a “common sense” approach allowing families flexibility, while Rhys Price of Gwilyn Price Funeral Directors in Lampeter said uniform rules would make things easier for both the public and professionals.
Barrett, who stopped conducting services in early March, urged bereaved families to postpone memorial ceremonies until after the outbreak. The Church in Wales has already ceased all services except graveside funerals with up to ten immediate family members, adhering to strict social distancing.
Kathy Riddick of Wales Humanists noted that celebrants would continue as long as it is safe and legal, offering deferred memorials. She emphasised that a final goodbye remains essential for grieving, provided physical distancing and legal guidelines are observed.
