Anglican Funerals
An Anglican funeral is a religious ceremony within the Anglican tradition that commemorates the life of a deceased person through prayers, scripture readings, and rituals, seeking comfort for the bereaved and entrusting the departed to God’s mercy.
An Anglican funeral can include
- Gathering and Procession
- Family and friends gather at the church to begin the funeral services.
- Hymns and Psalms
- Singing hymns and reciting psalms with themes of hope, faith, and comfort.
- Readings and Sermon
- Scripture passages are read, often including passages from the Bible that emphasize God’s promises and the hope of resurrection. A sermon offers reflections on the deceased’s life and the message of hope.
- Prayers of Intercession
- Offering prayers for the deceased, the bereaved, and the world, building a bridge between the congregation and God’s comfort and guidance.
- Commendation and Farewell
- The deceased is commended to God’s mercy and eternal rest, with final words of farewell spoken.
- Committal
- If a burial is to follow, a brief service is held at the graveside where the body is committed to the ground while prayers are said.
- Wake
- After the service, a common practice is to hold a wake at the family home or other venue, providing an opportunity for mourners to share memories and support one another.
The information provided is a brief summary only and may not include all aspects of traditional funeral rites.