N
Nicx
Guest
Hi
I really hope someone can help me. I am doing RCIA and need some guidance about a developing situation I am facing within my family. The background is that two members of our family became JW’s about 35 years ago and it has divided the family ever since. As a result I didn’t get much contact with my Grandparents, which I am very sad about.
My Gradfather recently died and requested a non-religious ceremony, as he himself was not a JW. Those members of the family who are JW’s are insisting the funeral is led my ‘a Brother’ and includes quotes from their bible, hymns etc. We are very uncomfortable about this, but despite requesting them to reconsider, despite seeking compromise our wishes are secondary to their need to make the service JW.
I personally, do not believe the JW movement is a Christian religion and I am very uncomfortable with the prospect of being exposed to their thoughts, prayers etc and the inevitable attempts to ‘convert me’. So I am torn, what do I do? Do I go to the funeral out of respect to my Grandfather and father and disregard the service itself, do I stand outside, or do I simply not go and accept that I will be denied the opportunity to pay my final respects? How do I deal with the ‘hard sell’, what is the best Catholic response that I can give?
I want to do the right thing and really don’t know what to do for the best. I would be very grateful for any advice. Thank you so much.
I really hope someone can help me. I am doing RCIA and need some guidance about a developing situation I am facing within my family. The background is that two members of our family became JW’s about 35 years ago and it has divided the family ever since. As a result I didn’t get much contact with my Grandparents, which I am very sad about.
My Gradfather recently died and requested a non-religious ceremony, as he himself was not a JW. Those members of the family who are JW’s are insisting the funeral is led my ‘a Brother’ and includes quotes from their bible, hymns etc. We are very uncomfortable about this, but despite requesting them to reconsider, despite seeking compromise our wishes are secondary to their need to make the service JW.
I personally, do not believe the JW movement is a Christian religion and I am very uncomfortable with the prospect of being exposed to their thoughts, prayers etc and the inevitable attempts to ‘convert me’. So I am torn, what do I do? Do I go to the funeral out of respect to my Grandfather and father and disregard the service itself, do I stand outside, or do I simply not go and accept that I will be denied the opportunity to pay my final respects? How do I deal with the ‘hard sell’, what is the best Catholic response that I can give?
I want to do the right thing and really don’t know what to do for the best. I would be very grateful for any advice. Thank you so much.