February 1999
The Director - Features
When Clergy Are Unavailable
A clergy shortage is forcing funeral service to find alternatives
Many religious denominations across the U.S. are currently experiencing a shortage of religious leaders. As a result, funeral directors are increasingly being asked to perform responsibilities that were traditionally offered to the clergy. These situations not only make the funeral director feel uncomfortable, but also the grieving family, who has the burden of making alternative arrangements.
When Clergy are Unavailable—A clergy shortage is forcing funeral service to find alternatives discusses the awkwardness funeral directors experience when religious leaders tell them they are too busy to fulfill their traditional roles. The article gives examples of how funeral directors and their community's religious leaders can enhance their relationship with each other and, in turn, facilitate quality funeral care and aftercare to the families they serve.
The article was written by Rev. Richard B. Gilbert, executive director of the World Pastoral Care Center. He can be reached at 219-464-8183 or
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