Family, friends and political colleagues have gathered at Buckfast Abbey in Devon for the funeral of former government minister Ann Widdecombe, remembering her particularly for her courageous and public Christian faith. The devout Catholic, who regularly worshipped at the abbey, died following an attack at her Dartmoor home in July. During the Requiem Mass, Abbot David Charlesworth described faith as the foundation upon which Widdecombe ordered her life, recalling how she “fearlessly upheld” Catholic moral and social teaching even when her convictions proved unpopular. At a time when religious belief was increasingly regarded as private, he said, Widdecombe remained willing to speak openly about Christianity in public life. The service included the hymns Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art, while family members and close friends paid tribute to her life and character. Donations in her memory will support Christian charitable work, including The Leprosy Mission and a hostel ministry in India. A public memorial service is expected later this year.