The Parish Priest of St. Finberrs’ Catholic Church, Rayfield, Jos, Godfrey Gopep, has advised Christians to desist from organising expensive burials.

Reverend Father Gopep, who is also the Chaplain, Plateau Government House Chapel, gave the advice in his sermon on Sunday in Jos.

“I have observed that most Christian burials are expensive; we sink huge amounts of money to bury our loved ones,” the clergyman said.

He added that “Sometimes, those who donated the huge sums for the burial didn’t support the deceased when he or she was alive and needed the help most.”

The cleric, who decried the high cost of burial, particularly among Christians, said that the ceremony which ought to be solemn, had become for “show”.

“It has become like a show and competition among families; I heard that some churches now demand a fee before they conduct funerals,” he added.

He said organising expensive burial for loved ones is not a guarantee that the deceased would make heaven, hence, should be done in a moderate manner.

“So, I want to strongly advise Christians to cut down how they spend huge amounts to bury the dead and learn to support people when they are alive,” he advised.

Mr Gopep also advised Christians to desist from expensive lifestyles and cater for the needs of the poor and the less-privileged in the society.

(NAN)