Humanist Funeral

[nailit]

Have you ever been to a non-religious / Humanist funeral?
Its my mums funeral this Wednesday morning and she's having a Humanist funeral.
Never attended a non-religious funeral before. Dont expect it'll be much different from a regular one, just minus the hymns?

[sunny-dave]

I've been to a couple - both were, in every way, better than a farewell trammeled round with religious observances which 95% of the mourners have no belief in.

A funeral can (should?) be a celebration of a life well lived - and the Humanist version seems to offer this.

[Peter Pedant]

yeah, as you said
I made a speech - shortish - under 4 minutes,
and dragged in St Johns gospel and no one seemed to mind

[New Judge]

I’ve been to a few humanist funerals. The first I attended was for this chap:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giles_Hart

He was a very dear friend of mine of long standing. He’d been chucked off the tube on the morning of 7/7 following the explosions and got a bus instead to complete his journey. It was the bus which was blown up. It opened my eyes to a different way of doing funerals and I was very impressed (especially being a staunch atheist).

The latest one I attended was last December following the death of another friend from a heart attack. Very good service which majored on my friend’s obsession with football and his love of Leeds United.

[nailit]

No Tills.
I know that a fear of public speaking is common, but for me it would be pure torture. Was asked 10 yrs ago to say something about my old schoolmate who died young, by his parents and I just couldnt.
Best leave it to the celebrant as much as I would like to say something.
With my stutter (when nervous) it wouldnt be fair to keep the next service waiting for an hour....

[gness]

I understand what you say, Pasta but I believe we should come away from a funeral feeling as uplifted as we feel sad.
Happy that we have given a lovely farewell....not mouthed a few hymns after being led by a clergyman who didn't know the deceased. And I have done that and left angry and disappointed.

[nailit]

Bloody hell NJ....

[eve1974]

Yes I have and it was a fitting tribute. We did sing songs but not anything religious

[ferlew]

We had a humanist funeral for Mr F in 2017. As others have said 3 of HIS fabourite songs were played. The celebrant came and spent an afternoon with me just hearing about Mr F, and jotting down bits she thought would fit in well. Even down to asking his favourite colour so that she could wear a scarf in that colour. The address was lovely, and included messages from folks further afield that were unable to attend.
I've made my wishes clear that I would like the same, and by the same celebrant should she still be doing it.
Far nicer I think than the more formal service.

[Lie-in King]

My best wishes to you & your family for Wednesday & I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible for you.