Hello! I'm a Humanist Ceremonies funeral celebrant, trained and accredited by Humanists UK.
My parents were never church-goers and so when I came to consider Celebrant work, the training offered by Humanists UK looked most appropriate. As it turned out, it was excellent. It is gold-standard, the very best there is.
Not many people ask Funeral Directors for a Humanist ceremony. If you took a straw poll most people might struggle to give an answer to what Humanism is. However, well over a third of the population in the last census reported having "no religion".
In a nutshell, Humanism is a word that can describe someone who is not religious. So, this is where I come in. I create and lead simple non-religious funeral ceremonies, at the time of cremation or burial.
If you want a quasi-religious service with the Lord's Prayer and all the trimmings thrown in, then this is a different path you need to go down and you will encounter the weird and wonderful along the way. If you do want a religious service, then perhaps, you might employ the services of a priest or vicar. That sounds like a sensible option.
I'm not against including some religious content if it is appropriate and comforting to those bereaved. For example, my mum recalled singing All Things Bright and Beautiful in her school assemblies, so I included an instrumental version in her funeral last year. It's about being all-embracing and there is usually a period of reflection when people may want to say a private prayer.
A bit about me. I'm originally from London and I've lived in my wife's hometown of St Helen's for the past 20 years. My key passion is music and although I've not managed to master playing an instrument, I've been to see more rock legends in concert than the average music goer. I'm happy to help you choose appropriate pop, rock, or classical music - if you need any help. My other passion is vintage cars and I own a Morris Minor - it is the same age as me, 57.
I will help you celebrate the life of your loved one, however, the day is ultimately a sad one, whichever way you try and mask it.
To sum up my approach, the ceremonies I create and lead are dignified, genuine, professional and entirely appropriate. If this is what you are looking for, then please notify your chosen Funeral Director. If you are a Funeral Director reading this, then please consider me for non-religious as well as Humanist ceremonies.
