Spiritualist beliefs about death are becoming increasingly popular, especially with millenials. Spiritualism is perhaps less formal than some of the ‘older’ religious traditions, but for many practitioners a specifically Spiritualist funeral is an important celebration of their beliefs.
A Spiritualist funeral is about celebrating the life of the person that has died, and helping bereaved loved ones to share their memories of them, reflect, and express their sadness.
The funeral can incorporate either burial or cremation and a Celebrant or Spiritualist minister can also officiate at the scattering of ashes or at a memorial service. A green funeral or natural burial might well appeal to Spiritualists.
The officiant will remind the congregation that the body that has died is a mortal vessel that has simply fulfilled its purpose and that the life of the person’s soul continues in a different realm.
Spiritualist funerals include many traditional elements, including funeral flowers and music, but services emphasise personalisation and the congregation are invited to make tributes to the person that has died and share meaningful readings or poems.