|PIC1|A Chesterfield vicar has been criticised by a widower for denying his wife's dying wish.

According to the Derbyshire Times, Roy Davidson, 76, was "appalled" at Rev Michael Knight, who is the Canon at Chesterfield Parish Church, for refusing to allow a family friend - a Church of England priest - to lead the funeral service.

Mr Davidson explained that his wife Sylvia, who died of bone cancer in July, had wanted the service to be at the Crooked Spire Church in particular, as that is where they married in 1959 and also had their two sons christened.

It was also her dying request that her funeral be conducted by a close friend, Rev Robin Charles, who was a former curate at the Crooked Spire Church.

However, Rev Knight refused to allow their family friend - a visiting priest - to hold the service inside the Crooked Spire Church, saying that it was "inappropriate".

The refusal forced the mourners to hold the service in the churchyard instead. Mr Davidson told the Derbyshire Times: "I was so upset that she couldn't have her last wish to go back into the church where we married and where we'd had so many happy memories. I'm appalled that Michael Knight should refuse the priest we wanted to come in the church and take the service."

The Church of England in fact does allow ordained vicars to lead funeral services in other churches, under the condition that permission is received from the resident priest.

Rev Knight defended his actions, telling the newspaper: "There has never been any question that the funeral of Sylvia Davidson couldn't take place at the parish church.

"As the incumbent here I felt it would be more appropriate for a current member of staff to take the funeral.

"My understanding is that the family accepted the situation and an agreement was reached that her funeral would take place at the crematorium.

"I have not received any indication from the family that there was any unhappiness with these arrangements."


[Quotes used with kind permission from the Derbyshire Times]