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Religious funeral without a vicar

3 replies

Twinklyfaerieglade · 11/09/2017 21:33

My mum is in her final days and dad has started talking about what he wants at the funeral. Mum has long since lost any powers of communication, but did say she wanted to be cremated.

My parents have both always gone to church and religion is a big part of their life. Dad is a lay preacher and C of E reader. However a number of years ago the church they married at 65 years ago and attended ever since was closed. The congregation turned the church hall into a worship centre, so there is still a church community but it is not licensed for funerals. Relationships with the C of E are very poor.

Therefore dad wants a religious funeral but without a vicar. He is licensed to conduct a funeral, though I don't think he should in this case. He wants me, my brother and possibly himself to conduct the service between us. All the resources to do this seem to be geared towards those who want something humanist.

I know this is very unusual. Does any one have experience of such a service? Can you point me in the right direction for inspiration? Please

OP posts:
MrsJayy · 11/09/2017 21:38

My uncle is a lay preacher he did my aunts (his sil) funeral it was very nice and fitting they did it in the crematorium I think a funeral director when the time comes would be able to help your dad might know somebody in his worship group who could do it. I am sorry about your mum Flowers

FadedRed · 11/09/2017 21:46

Sorry for your situation, Op, it is a difficult time for you and your family.Flowers
There is nothing to stop you having your Mothers funeral without an 'official' service or celebrant. A secular funeral celebrant (humanist) will help you and your family do whatever you want, with religious or non religious input. The Funeral directors will also be able to help and advise you and your family to achieve what your father wants. You might also do an Internet search for 'non-regular funerals' (can't think how else to phrase it).
Maybe now is the time to concentrate on supporting each other through these final difficult days, and help your father by saying that whatever is needed can be organised when the time comes.

ReanimatedSGB · 11/09/2017 21:53

There are no legal restrictions on who can conduct a funeral, whether or not it has religious elements to it. Your father would certainly not be breaking any rules or laws if he wrote and conducted the ceremony himself.
However, in terms of the strain on him, it might be better all round if he does a reading or the eulogy and has a professional take on the rest.
What you probably want is anindependent celebrant. when the time comes. The British Humanist Association are the best-known for humanist/non religious funerals but their celebrants generally don't include prayer/hymns because of the non-religion thing. (I trained as a BHA celebrant).
Also, the funeral directors may well have a list of local independant celebrants, some of whom will include religious content as they are not bound by BHA rules.
Sorry your family is going through this.

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