Madalina Manole Madalina Manole a popular Romanian singer was found dead on her 43rd birthday.

The Romanian Orthodox Church would not allow her a full burial service because she committed suicide. Is it only me who is distressed and astounded that the church might be so punitive? Unusually for me, I am lost for words.

I am also sad for Madalina Manole’s husband and one year old son. Suicide is hard on families and only more difficult, I imagine, without the support of the church.

It seems so wrong to me. There is nothing gained by making sinners of the dead for having for dying as they did. Is there?