Stop expensive burials, help those alive - Fr. Gopep to Christians

Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep, Parish Priest of St. Finbarrs' Catholic Church in Rayfield, Jos, has advised Christians to stop expensive burials.

The religious leader gave the advice in his homily on Sunday, NAN reports.

Gopep noted that funerals should be solemn instead of the recurring "show" during such ceremonies.

The cleric said organizing expensive burials for loved ones would not take the deceased to heaven.

"I have observed that most Christian burials are expensive; we sink huge amounts of money to bury our loved ones.

"Sometimes, those who donated huge sums for the burial didn't support the deceased when he or she was alive.

"It has become like a show and competition among families; I heard that some churches now demand a fee before they conduct funerals.

"I advise Christians to cut down how they spend huge amounts to bury the dead and learn to support people when they are alive," he advised.

In January, Plateau Governor Simon Lalong appointed Gopep as Chaplain of the Government House Chapel.

The 40-year-old was ordained a priest for the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos in October 2011.