Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

We live in a real world where evil takes place but God gives us the strength to cope and brings healing and peace, the Bishop of Monmouth told mourners at the funeral  (Thursday 25th) of three generations of one family killed in a house fire last month.

The Rt Revd Dominic Walker told the family of Kim Buckley, her daughter Kayleigh and her baby granddaughter Kimberley that their loss was shared by the community around them, brought together by care, love and support.

He said, “On the cross Jesus told those who mourned him most to care for one another, and I know just how many people in the community here have been expressing their care for those most closely affected by his tragedy. It has brought together a community who have shown their love and support – and perhaps also their anger and questioning - which is all part of grieving.  St Paul told Christians to ‘Bear one another’s burdens’ and God bless you for doing that.” 

About 800 people packed into the service at St Gabriel’s Church Old Cwmbran. It was led by Father Michael Phillips, Rector of Cwmbran, who gave an eulogy to Kim, Kayleigh and Kimberley and led the congregation in prayers. The hymns, chosen by the family, were Abide With Me, Love Divine and Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer. Two coffins were carried into the church – one for Kim and one for Kayleigh with Kimberley – to the Westlife song, We Started As Friends. 

Father Michael said, “We simply cannot believe what has happened. It was all so sudden and yet we know it is true. Our hearts are filled with justifiable anger and with questions as to why. And so we have come before God in love and fellowship to celebrate their lives together, knowing that for them, the tribulations and hurts of this world are over, but also knowing that new life in heaven has already begun with Jesus.”

On behalf of the family, Father Michael thanked those “who bravely made a rescue attempt as well as the police, fire and ambulance services. Also, of course, to the Special Care Baby  Unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital for all the devotion of the staff there, in looking after Kimberley, enabling her to come home.” 

For more information, please contact:

Anna Morrell
Archbishop's Media Officer / Swyddog y Cyfryngau i'r Archesgob
Tel: 02920 348208; mobile: 07 91 91 587 94
annamorrell@churchinwales.org.uk