Differences between religions and denominations

Differences between religions and denominations

Whilst the basics of organising a funeral will be largely the same regardless of religion or denomination, there are some things which may vary depending on the religion/denomination of the deceased. Detailed below is a brief outline of the funerals of various religions and Christian denominations. Anglican funerals: Anglican funerals usually take place in a local church, or the chapel of a cemetery or crematorium. Parish boundaries usually apply. Family and friends join together to mourn and commend the deceased into God’s safe keeping. Roman Catholic funerals: Roman Catholic funerals can be burials or cremations and are more than likely to take place in a church. A priest or deacon will receive the body into the church and say prayers over the coffin. It is common for family members to bear the coffin into the church. Usually the funeral will involve a Requiem Mass. Other Christian denominations: The funerals offered by other Christian denominations are usually broadly similar to Anglican funerals. Most funeral directors will advise regarding funerals of different denominations.

Jewish funerals: In a Jewish funeral cremation is not permitted. Removal of organs, fluid and tissues is also prohibited, although there can be allowances for autopsies, if these are required by law or for organ donation. The burial must take place as soon as possible. Open casket services are forbidden by Jewish law as these are seen as extremely disrespectful. Flowers are not usually sent or used during Jewish funerals as they are associated with joyous celebrations and similarly music is not played.

Sikh funerals: In Sikh funerals cremation is the usual method used. In many parts of the world a Sikh funeral involves an open-air funeral pyre, though not all countries permit this. Until the point of cremation the deceased must be kept in possession of the five articles worn by a Sikh in life (the ‘5 Ks’). Sikhism recommends that once the ashes are released to the family they be buried in the earth or scattered over/immersed into flowing water such as a river. In Sikhism, the funeral service can take place at any time, day or night. The Sikh view is that the purpose of a funeral is to induce detachment.

Hindu funerals: Cremations are the most common method for Hindu funerals as they believe this helps the soul exit the body more quickly. There are various rituals which usually take place around the body such as the placing of a lamp near the head, Pindas (Rice Balls) are placed in the coffin, a Mala (necklace of wooden beads) may be placed around the neck and the deceased is sprinkled with water. The deceased’s family may remain in mourning for twelve days. Muslim funerals: In Muslim funerals the desired method is burial, as observant Muslims disapprove of cremation. Usually on the day of the funeral the body is taken to the mosque and prayers are said before the body is taken to the cemetery for burial. Whilst mourners stand at the graveside prayers are said, another prayer is said after the body is lowered into the grave. The grave is ‘filled in’ by the Islamic community. The graves themselves tend to be above ground level so that the grave is clearly marked. The use of large decorations or tombstones is not frequent though it is not forbidden.

Buddhist funerals: Many Buddhists in the UK come from families with links to one of the traditional Buddhist countries (e.g. Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, China etc.). There will also be many people with no family background in Buddhism who have adopted Buddhism. Therefore the practices and beliefs will vary between traditions or “schools”. Generally, death and dying ideally should take place in an atmosphere of peace, calm and sensitivity. There are no special procedures to be undertaken by hospice/hospital staff. In some traditions it is thought to be highly beneficial for the dying person to be supported by a teacher or member of the Buddhist community during and immediately after the dying process. As part of this there may be requests for the body to remain undisturbed for a period, before being moved – a minimum of four hours is sometimes quoted. Other religions: It is beyond the scope of this document to attempt to deal with every religion.