A gathering was held last weekend among residents of Darlington who are saddened by a decision made by Diocese of Durham.
St Andrew’s Church in Haughton, Darlington, has been at the centre of a row where, for the last two years, members of the church have removed belongings from graves, including artificial flowers and trinkets.
Roughly 25 people gathered outside the church on Sunday (March 11) to air their views and share how rules enforced by the Diocese has affected them and their families.
Although everyone has their own unique story, the group was united in the opinion that a compromise needed to be found.
Debbie Burt, who organised the gathering, said: “I understand that certain guidelines have to be in place but we need to find a compromise because otherwise this will just continue to escalate.
“Most people had the same opinion. At one point things got a little heated but I think we all need to remember that of course, some people will go over the top with what they put on graves but it shouldn’t be that everyone is punished because one or two families went overboard. That’s only going to make people feel worse.
“Rev. Mark East did say he would take our concerns to the Chancellor (of Diocese of Durham) but he said it could take three months or so to hear what happens next.”
Several readers got in touch last year about articles being removed from the graves of their loved ones.
Residents have spoken out about “inconsistent” rules regarding how graves can be tended.
The rules stated that real flowers were allowed, but artificial flowers were not. Ornaments, vases and trinkets were prohibited, and there were strict criteria for what classed as appropriate headstones and grave markers.
Signs were also erected in the churchyard explaining the rules.
Ms Burt was a regular church-goer of St Andrew’s since childhood, and enjoyed taking her grandchildren to the churchyard to visit the graves of her parents, who passed away in 2002 and 2011.
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Durham said: “The vicar of St Andrew’s, the Reverend Mark East has previously written to the Chancellor of Durham Diocese to clarify his order that artificial flowers, along with other unpermitted items, should be removed from the churchyard in line with rules set many years ago.
“The Chancellor’s direction is legally binding and the church has to comply with it. If Ms Burt wishes to appeal against the decision, she can write to the Chancellor. Reverend East cannot do this on her behalf and has not offered to do so.”
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