[SuziQ]

Obama wasn't preaching from the sanctuary, it was a eulogy, which is not limited to being offered by believers.

The eulogies are usually offered after Communion, though, in my opinion, they shouldn't be done until after the Final Blessing. Maybe that's what Mr. Peters was talking about a violation of liturgical law, though after Communion is the only time I've seem them done in the last few years.

[marshmallow]

The Catholic Church makes provision for family members to speak of the deceased in funeral vigils but the funeral itself should be eulogy-free.

The Order of Christian Funerals is quite specific: “A brief homily based on the readings is always given after the gospel reading at the funeral liturgy, and may also be given after the readings at the vigil service; but there is never to be a eulogy” (OCF, 27).