More answers to readers’ queries and comments Below is a further compilation of “Quick Answers” to questions which have arisen from searches of, or comments during the past couple of weeks, providing links to our blog posts addressing these issues.

As before, the topics covered in these occasional posts do not necessarily represent our most-read blogs, but reflects the current interests of readers accessing the site on (mostly) contemporary issues.

General searches Question Quick Answer L&RUK Answer Do retired priests wear dog collars. Some do, some don’t. It’s a sign of their ordination, not their permission to officiate. Clerical attire, officiants and safeguarding , (150209). clerical abuse No statutory definition of term, but considered by recent CDM tribunal. Clerical abuse of spiritual power and authority , (180109) Campbell and Casans v united kingdom article 9 Not a case on which we’ve reported, but a summary is here … …and see #13 of The human rights cases absolutely everyone should know about , (150226). minster churches in England “an honorific title bestowed on major churches of regional significance in the Church of England, to reflect their importance and contribution to the local communities they serve”. Abp Sentamu. Churches, Minsters and Cathedrals, Legal distinctions between the designation of Church of England churches , (161117). Shakespeare buried in wall Not exactly. Suggestion, that a skull in the crypt of St Leonard Beoley was his, dismissed as Gothic fiction. See Shakespeare’s Skull – Church court rejects Gothic fiction (151104), and Shakespeare’s missing skull – the mystery deepens , (160324). can you bury a person in your garden. In principle, yes, but subject to conditions. Back-garden burials? (14/12/10) and Groundwater pollution from cemeteries (170324) on new EA position statement (L4). is it law in England that organs can be removed when you die unless you opt out. Not yet, subject to (closed) consultation. Under consideration by government. Introducing ‘opt-out’ consent for organ and tissue donation in England , (171212). uk law on baby names Naming Children: England and Wales, 2013 , (140815). deposition of holy orders Safeguarding, the C of E and deposition from orders […]

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