Families at the Centre in care of the Departed

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In London the response to Covid-19 is being managed by a Strategic Coordination Group set up by the London Resilience Forum under the Civil Contingencies Act. As the Chair of the Faith Sector of London Resilience I attend the SCG (by exception when there are issues for which I am required). I am a full member of the Mortality Management Group. To ensure that the concerns and needs of people of all faiths & beliefs from the beginning the MMG was set up with a Faith & Belief Cell which I chair. 

 I have made these reflections on our work as Chair of the Faith & Belief Cell to assure all Londoners that families are at the centre in the care of the departed.





When a loved one dies it is very important to know that they are being treated with dignity and respect. All those involved in the death management process are aware of this and, in particular,  of the need in some faiths for funerals to take place as soon as possible after death. Others would prefer to wait longer for a burial or cremation than is currently feasible.

However, it is important to know that there are currently significant pressures beyond anyone’s control which may cause delays and difficulties. Automatic referrals to the Coroner, which occur when a loved one has not seen a doctor in the 28 days before their death, are a significant factor which can cause delay for those who have died in the community. In addition, there are sadly many more burials and cremations taking place than usual and many staff are off sick. 

Please be assured that the needs of families are at the centre of a great deal of work that is going on to address these issues but it is inevitable that challenges will remain. Please do share this message with your own communities to raise awareness of these issues and encourage families to work with your faith Funeral Directors to help move things forward at this very difficult time.

The Venerable Luke Miller 
Chair of the Faith & Belief Cell of the London Mortality Management Group

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