Should a Turban be worn, on this occasion?

[anotheoldgit]

When the coffins of the service personnel who had recently been killed in Iraq, arrived at RAF Brize Norton, I noticed that one of the pall-bearers was a Sikh due to the fact that he was wearing a Turban.

Since it is custom and a sign of respect to the dead, to be bare headed on these occasions, should he have removed his Turban, to respect this custom also? But if this was not possible due to his religion, should he have not been chosen in this particular instance to carry out this solemn duty?

[sp1814]

It's a teeny bit disgraceful that this was even mooted as an issue.

It kinda makes me think that some journalists sit around all day thinking of ways they can have a pop at anyone from a minority community, knowing that some will jump on the bandwagon.

Clanad - excellent post...really excellent.

[NH]

Indeed this shouldn't be an issue.

Furthermore, I don't know if you know how to put on/take off a turban...but it's a right *******. Something to do with wrapping it round one's head five squillion times, then adding a topknot.

It's not exactly the sort of thing you can do at the drop of a hat.

[anotheoldgit]

Well thanks for all your answers, I must now hold my hands up and admit that seeing I am very much in the minority, I must therfore concede defeat in this debate, and retire to fight another day.
But in summing up, I would like to give the following answers to these abers.

sp1814- I never mentioned removing hats in Church, but yes you are right, it is customery for women to wear hats in Church. The deceased soldier was a local lad but not a Sikh.

ThisSpace- I do not know if he was a close friend of the soldier, but if he was, even more reason to show respect for his friend's bereavement customs.

zimzam- Yes most things you say about the Sikhs I agree with, and I talk with some experience since a member of my family is married to one, because of this I have been to many Sikh functions, so I do not know where you gained your knowledge that they don't smoke or drink. believe me they can drink for England and India to boot, also smoke, and not only tobacco, I do believe.

Just one last question to all those that can see nothing wrong in not showing respect for each others religious customs:- If the Soldier had been a Sikh and his comrades where carrying his coffin into his Temple, would it be ok for them to keep their boots on? Yes or No.

[sp1814]

anotheoldgit...

Okay - that's a hypothetical question not based on the case which caused you to raise the original question.

Supposing the deceased comrade was a commited Sikh, I would certainly expect those attending the ceremony to respect the traditions of the religion...

...however, the removal of the turban isn't something that any committed Christian could possibly</> ask for.

It's just a really odd thing to even think. Really, and honestly, I couldn't imagine any serious Christian asking something so weird.

And it's not like for like what you're asking. The Christian religion does not prescribe you to wear boots.

[sp1814]

anotheoldgit - I never saw the picture in The Scotsman, but you know what I would've seen if I did?

I would've seen an excellent example of multi-culturalism. Here's a Sikh who fights for this country, keeping us (you and me) safe, and he has the honour of carrying a fallen camrade.

That is something to be applauded, rather than an example of 'one rule for them, and one for us'.

Honest - that's how I see it.