A fitting end - Hugh James

This very practical resource offers a well-informed guide to an aspect of ministry that every single priest or minister will encounter. It is one of the most difficult tasks, yet many embark on it with very little theological or practical training. They will encounter a wide range of beliefs about death and the afterlife in today's secular society, such as can be seen in the death notices of local newspapers - grandma goes to sleep, is reunited with grandpa, becomes an angel or a star in heaven. They need a resource that equips them to deal sensitively and wisely with the variety of demands that will be made of them in the planning and conduct of funerals and in helping the bereaved to understand that resurrection is God's response to death's terrible finality.

Hugh James is a parish priest and Area Dean of Emlym in West Wales. He studied fumerals for an MA from the University of Wales and lectures on the subject in pre- and post-ordination training at St Michael's College, Cardiff.

'This is a wise and inspiring book which should become a standard text for student ministers and deacons; experienced practitioners will learn much from it too.'
Methodist Recorder

'When I did my first funeral, I was acutely aware that my college training in no way prepared me for the reality and responsibility involved. I found the book interesting and challenging, and wish I could have read it while at college. I strongly recommend it to anyone who officiates at funerals.'
Baptist Ministers Journal - Kath Lawson

'The thoroughness of his examination (...) makes it required and supportive reading.'
Methodist Recorder

'A worthwhile litlle resource book for a newly licensed Reader or a newly ordained cleric.'
New Directions

'Hugh James's book is full of anecdotes, revealing that he not only knows about funerals but he has personal experience of the subject. (...) an excellent book with much to provoke thinking and action.'
Rural Theology - Robert Paterson

'This competent and helpful book covers contemporary issues relating to funerals in a very readable manner, and it should be in the hands and minds of all new ministers of any denomination. Experienced clergy will gain much from it as well.(...) The author balances well a mixture of theoretical and theological with the practical. Highly commended.'
Epworth Review - John Lampard