September 24, 2006

Politics in the cemetery

In Nottingham, England, a new cemetery is being built, the first in 85 years.

A multi-faith cemetery will have all its graves aligned with Mecca, despite Christian burials traditionally facing east......

In today's secular society you could be forgiven for not knowing which direction Christian graves face.

Ancient tradition shows they should look east in anticipation of the second coming of Jesus Christ.

But all headstones at the new £2.5m High Wood Cemetery in Bulwell will be plotted to face north-east, in line with Islamic faith.

Muslims believe the dead look over their shoulder towards Mecca, towards the south-east.

Despite there being separate sections at the cemetery in Low Wood Road for different faiths, the council wanted to give a tidy, linear appearance.

A Question of Faith...or Tidiness?  via LGF.

Posted by Jill Fallon at September 24, 2006 11:02 AM | TrackBack | Permalink
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