But what about some of the big Local Authority cemeteries in Liverpool for example?
They have sections for different denominations, and some of the big cemeteries still have large sections currently unused. Does someone consecrate an Acre at a time, so to speak?
Unused ground laid aside for C of E burials will have been consecrated even though it is not yet used.
Land set aside for other religions will be consecrated as and when needed.
Some religions consecrate the burial plot just before the burial takes place.
The subject is complicated as it varies depending on the religion.
For example the section put aside for Roman Catholic burials may have been consecrated by the church previously or if not the priest may bless the grave before the burial. If it is not possible for a priest to be in attendance there is provision to put blessed earth into the coffin.
Jewish burial plots are normally bought in the person’s lifetime and consecrated for the specific purpose.
In many Jewish cemeteries it is customary not to bury a woman next to any man other than her husband. Therefore, the graves alternate: husband, wife, wife, husband, husband, wife, etc. Those that are not married are usually buried alongside their parents.
In addition a Jewish cemetery is consecrated exclusively for burial of members of the Jewish faith this means that the Jewish partner of a mixed marriage is entitled to be buried in a Jewish cemetery, while his or her unconverted Gentile partner and Gentile children may not be buried there.
They can be buried in an unconsecrated adjacent area, separated by hedge, wall or fence.
Most burial plots in the unconsecrated section of a cemetery will have had some form of blessing or consecration performed over them prior to the burial. The exception to this of course is the plots used for the burial of Atheists and people with no religion who are laid to rest in unconsecrated plots.
Cheers
Guy
