If someone you know and love has died, a funeral led by a Church of England minister can be held in church, in a churchyard, by a graveside, or at a crematorium. The minister will be there to support you every step of the way.

There are many ways we can support you during this difficult time, whether you would like a full funeral service at either of our churches, or whether you would like to hold a memorial service after a cremation.

FAQs

• How do I start organising a funeral?

The first thing to do after registering the death is to choose a funeral director to look after your loved one. If you would like a funeral service at one of our churches, or for a member of our clergy to carry out a service at a crematorium, tell the funeral directors and they will contact us directly.

• Who can have a funeral at church?

Anyone is able to ask a Church of England minister to take a funeral for someone they knew and loved.

Neither the person who has died nor the person asking has to be a regular churchgoer. Church of England ministers will take the funeral service for anyone who lives in their parish.

• Can I make the service more personal?

At the heart of every funeral led by a Church of England minister is the good news of God’s love for every unique human being. Each service is designed to reflect that love alongside the story of a particular life.

There are so many choices that can help to make the service personal, including:

• Where it happens – at a crematorium, in a church, at a green burial site, in a funeral director’s chapel

• The structure of the day – where the service begins, whether the funeral will move from one location to another and where things will finish.

• The choice of coffin and transport

• Flowers

• Personal items at the service, such as photos or memorabilia

• Music and hymns – sung by congregations or soloists or recordings

• Readings – poetry, from friends, and the whole Bible to choose from!

• A tribute or eulogy – shared by family and friends, or read on your behalf by the minister

• Prayers and reflection – you could contribute and special interests of your loved one can be shared

• At the graveside/afterwards – symbols such as balloons, doves or flowers

All of these can be part of a Church of England-led funeral and helps to make the service personal.

The minister will tell the story of God’s love, offering a message of Christian hope and comfort, drawing on timeless words that have helped generations of people. When the minister visits you, share your thoughts, and be ready to talk about the person you are remembering. You will be able to work together to create a service that is special, and that will work well on the day.

• Can the service be live steamed for family and friends who are unable to attend?

Yes, we can provide a live stream via Facebook that can be shared with friends and family.