Denial of catholic funeral rites and irregular marriages in Igboland/Nigeria

In Igboland (Nigeria), Catholic couples who at the time of death
are living in irregular marriages, i.e. without observing the
canonical form of marriage (Church marriage) which is binding on
all Catholics - these people are denied ecclesiastical Funeral
Rittes. And this is so irrespective of any amount of attachment or
remorse the person or persons may have shown while living (in
accordance with c. 1184 CIC). With the aid of the Code of Canon
Law, the teachings of the magisterium, cultural as well as
traditional arguments and relevant tools for the interpretation of
Canon Law, the author has been able to prove and come to the
conclusion that there is no legal, moral, liturgical or cultural
justification for this denial. He calls on the Church authorites in
Igboland to stop this practice which by the way is no longer
practiced elsewhere in the universal Church so as to offer pastoral
relief to bereaved families who look unto the Church for
consolation at their time of grief.