Speaking as one who (originally) trained to be a vicar...

the mentality behind this is that indeed the dearly departed are facing eastwards to rise for judgement after the Battle of Armageddon, the descent of the New Jerusalem, and the reshaping of the heavens and the earth, and all that jazz. Depeding on which Christian eschatological interpretation or scheme you read, for the particulars.

Strictly speaking, from Britain shouldn't they be facing more south east to point to Jersulaem? That would make Christian Burials around the world at different angles...

Also poses another question... do Christian Burials east of Jerusalem face west? One I hadn't thought of...

The blessing of the 'Liths be always with you

Go in peace to love and serve The Stones

Tim