Nowadays religion is perceived as being less import in society so, whilst the religious may want a minister or religious leader to officiate at a funeral, those who are less religious may choose a funeral without this religious commitment.

It could perhaps be a case that someone who has chosen to live life without religion, may also wish to pass away without religion too. It may bring the feeling of insincerity or convey little consolation to the family of such a person during a religious service, in which case a funeral officiated by a British Humanist Association officiant may be more appropriate.

Humanists care deeply about moral issues from a non-religious perspective. They believe in the good of humanity and the right to individual free choice in the matters of life and of death.

Humanist officiants come from a variety of backgrounds and share the ability to empathise with the experience of bereavement. These men and women are familiar with the procedures of burial and cremation and possess the quality of attentive listening sensitive to family wishes, yet are ready to provide clear guidance whenever it is needed.

Whatever the circumstance of life and death, the officiants together with you can plan a personal and dignified funeral ceremony and officiate it on the day if desired.

Once the funeral ceremony has been arranged, the humanist officiant will wish to speak to you and possibly those close to you about the death. It is helpful for the officiant to get to know as much as possible about the person who has died. At the service family members or friends can participate with a reading, poem or their own personal tribute if they wish.

Music can also play an emotional part during the course of a funeral and can often poignantly reflect the personality of the person who has died. Depending on the venue, an organist is often available and most crematoria have facilities for playing specially requested tapes or compact discs. The humanist officiant can provide assistance in this area on what might be appropriate.

For further information contact us or the British Humanist Association at the following address:

British Humanist Association
1 Gower Street
London
WC1E 6HD
Tel: 020 7079 3580
Fax: 020 7079 3588
email: info@humanism.org.uk

Alternatively, you can visit the British Humanist Association website at www.humanism.org.uk.