All Graves Aligned To Mecca In Multi-Faith Cemetery Including Christians
 
A multi-faith cemetery will have all its graves aligned with Mecca, despite Christian burials traditionally facing east. CHRIS BIRKLE finds out how Christians and Muslims feel about the controversial council decision

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.

Only on special request can families have graves with headstones facing in a different direction.

The controversial decision was taken after consultation with the city's Cemeteries Consultative Committee.

And it has sparked huge debate among city faith leaders.

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."

FULL STORY at
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Cemetery To Bury All, Christians Too, Facing Mecca
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52126