What Is a Non-Religious Funeral Service?

To put it simply, a non-religious funeral service is a funeral that is held without any religious observances. Typically, funerals discuss spiritual matters even if the service is not officiated by a minister, priest, or imam. These things might include the singing of hymns, talk of the afterlife, or prayers. The majority of religious funerals in the UK these days are Christian, followed by Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Jewish services.

If you prefer to have none of the rites associated with the world's prominent religions included, then a non-religious service will be for you. Whether you are planning your funeral in the future or are arranging one for someone who has recently passed on, what are your main options?

Atheist Funeral Services

Unlike agnostics, which are not religious but are open to issues of faith, atheists do not believe in any form of deity—as such, planning a funeral for an atheist will mean leaving out readings from scripture hymns and prayers. Even talking about passing on to another world should be refrained from if you want to respect their atheism. A eulogy that celebrates and remembers their life can be given, however. Burials and cremations are possible at atheist funerals. Readings will also typically be given but from non-religious texts.

Humanist Funerals

In many ways, humanist funerals are similar to atheistic ones. Humanists UK initially set them up to offer people an alternative to a religious ceremony which used to be the norm. As such, they are suitable for atheists and agnostic people, and others who may have lost their faith as they got older. A humanist officiant will be booked to oversee the service. You might want to opt for this service if the deceased was not religious and not a committed atheist either. 

If you live in Fort Worth, cremation services are available for anyone who wants to go down this route. When looking for cremation services in Fort Worth, consider asking about any special services that can be accommodated. Some people may prefer to have a specific type of urn or casket, while others may want their remains scattered in a special location. It's important to find a funeral home that can accommodate these requests and provide an appropriate service.

Eco Funerals

To be clear, ecological funerals can be both religious and non-religious. These days, increasing numbers of people choose to think about the impact on their bodies' broader environment after they pass on. If you want to book an eco-friendly funeral service, you can do so in places that will accept burials in shrouds and pods rather than coffins that take a great deal of time to biodegrade. The idea is to release as few toxins into the earth as the body decomposes. In the case of eco cremations, they use as little energy as possible to fulfill the legal requirements associated with funerals. Today, many eco funerals include secular services and do not mention God or religion at all. 

Other Secular Funerals

If you want a very personal funeral service, then you can be buried in your garden so long as you own the freehold and meet specific other criteria. If you would like this funeral, you can plan it and include as many or as few religious elements as you want. The same goes for burials at sea. These can be arranged in designated locations of the UK's coastline and, again, need not include any form of religious rites.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

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• 3 Ways To Honor A Loved One Who Has Passed

• Choosing the Right Funeral Home: Key Considerations for Families