Stephen Hawking memorial service open to public at Westminster Abbey

Stephen Hawking's memorial service will be open to the public at Westminster Abbey next month.

Up to 1,000 tickets will be available in a ballot for the special service on June 15, during which the award-winning scientist's ashes will be interred between Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

Stephen Hawking was considered one of the greatest physicists in the world. Hawking.com

The family said they were grateful for allowing Professor Hawking 'such a distinguished final resting place'.

The Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said the event would celebrate 'not only his remarkable achievements as a scientist, but also his character and endurance through his years living with a devastating illness'.

After the service Westminster Abbey will open its doors to allow the public to pay their respects at Hawking's grave.

It comes after a smaller funeral for Hawking, who was considered one of the world's greatest physicists, was held near his home at the university church, Great St Mary's, in Cambridge, on March 31.

Eddie Redmayne, who played Hawking in the film about his life, The Theory of Everything, spoke at the service alongside several others.

You can apply for tickets for the Westminster Abbey thanksgiving service at stephenhawkinginterment.com.

The ballot closes at midnight on May 15.

News
No further action against Archbishop of York over handling of safeguarding complaint
No further action against Archbishop of York over handling of safeguarding complaint

The head of the Church of England's disciplinary process has said that the Archbishop of York has no case to answer over how he handled a safeguarding complaint. 

Catholic Church in Scotland supports bill to tackle demand for prostitution
Catholic Church in Scotland supports bill to tackle demand for prostitution

The bill proposes cracking down on demand rather than supply.

Armenian government accused of violating freedom of religion and speech after clergy arrests
Armenian government accused of violating freedom of religion and speech after clergy arrests

The Armenian government has accused clergymen of plotting violent revolution and advocating assassinations.

Lone Anglican church in Moscow suspends worship services
Lone Anglican church in Moscow suspends worship services

The only official Anglican congregation in Moscow, Russia, has suspended worship services amid a reported internal dispute over who controls the church.