Church judge bans a son’s “X” kiss from appearing on his parents’ tombstone

A church judge has banned an “X” as the symbol of a kiss on a headstone, branding it “extremely casual and informal”.

Commissioner-General Robert Hopkins, in his role as Justice of the Church of England Consistory Court, had been asked to approve a replacement memorial stone for a grave at St Mary’s Church, Great Chart, near Ashford, Kent.

The proposed memorial is for husband and wife Frederick Edward Champion and Doreen Patricia Champion.

A church judge has banned an “X” representing a kiss on a headstone, branding it “overly casual and informal.” [File photo]

Her son Nigel had asked the court to approve a memorial that would include a carved pair of swans, a dove on the stairway to heaven and an “X” to represent a kiss.

However, one objector challenged the use of the kiss and the inclusion of the swans, claiming, among other things, that the swans were “too large” and devoid of spiritual meaning.

While the judge allowed the shot of the swans, which were Mrs. Champion’s favorite birds, he refused permission for the kiss.

“This symbol is not appropriate,” he said. “In my view, it conveys a loving but overly casual and informal tone.”