How we arrange funerals

There is no rigid pattern for the conduct of funerals. Sometimes there will be a meeting at a graveside or crematorium, or there may be a separate meeting for worship, perhaps a memorial meeting, when there is more time for Friends to give God thanks for the life that has been lived and to help the mourners feel a deep sense of God's presence.

Like all Quaker meetings funerals are centred on silence and recognise the equality of all present. Funerals are occasions in which the people who gather together may come from a variety of different religious backgrounds or none. People speak from their own experience, and nothing will be out of place if it is said with simplicity and sincerity and with love and support for the other mourners.

Quakers are experienced in offering support and sympathy for members of their meeting and helping them to deal with the practical and emotional difficulties which arise. We are also willing to help others with the arrangement of religious but non-denominational funerals.