Non-Religious Funerals
Non-religious or humanist funerals offer a personal and fitting way for families to say goodbye to a loved one who did not closely follow a particular religion.
Humanist ceremonies have become more popular in Northern Ireland in recent years and aim to focus on the life the person led, the relationships they forged and the legacy they have left. They are based on the perspective that every life is individual and valuable and aim to be a celebration of life.
At S Clarke and Son, we’ve spent four generations and more than a century serving families throughout the local community. Ensuring people in Newtownards, Bangor, Dundonald and the surrounding areas are given the type of send-off they would have wanted.
What Are Non Religious Funerals?
Humanist ceremonies are conducted by a celebrant, a professionally trained public speaker, who ensures the funeral service is both a celebration of a person’s life and a dignified, personal farewell.
These ceremonies usually take place in one of our non-denominational funeral churches in Newtownards or Bangor, the largest in the area. Alternatively, they can be held at the crematorium, graveside, or family home. We will recommend a celebrant, who will contact you at the earliest opportunity to arrange a meeting. After your meeting, the celebrant will write a unique ceremony that is absolutely fitting for the person who has died. They will listen to your ideas on music, readings, or symbolic gestures and can make suggestions that they feel may work for your family. They will talk to you about how to personalise the ceremony, sharing their ideas and drawing on their experience and expertise.
Although humanist funerals are non-religious, they will always include a moment of dignified, quiet reflection where guests are invited to think about the person whose life has been celebrated and those with religious beliefs are invited to use this quiet time for private prayer if they wish. This ensures that every person present feels included and that everyone’s beliefs are valued and catered for.
For more information on humanist funerals, contact S Clarke and Son today.
