Funerals in the Episcopal Church
A Service of Resurrection Hope
In the Episcopal Church, a funeral is first and foremost a celebration of resurrection hope. Rooted in the promises of baptism and eternal life in Christ, the funeral liturgy offers comfort, remembrance, and a sacred space to commend the deceased to God’s care. It acknowledges the pain of grief while affirming our faith that, in Christ, life is changed—not ended.
As the Book of Common Prayer says:
“The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.”
The Purpose of the Funeral Liturgy – A Celebration of Life
The Episcopal funeral has three primary purposes:
- To commend the departed to God with prayer and dignity;
- To give thanks for their life and Christian witness in this world;
- To comfort the living with the hope of the resurrection and the support of Christian community.
The service is typically structured as a Holy Eucharist, and includes Scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and a homily.
Theological Foundations
Funerals in the Episcopal Church express our belief that:
- Death does not separate us from the love of God.
- Baptism unites us with Christ in his death and resurrection.
- The community of saints transcends time, linking the living and the dead in the communion of Christ.
While grief is real and honored, Episcopal liturgy encourages the tone of a funeral to be resurrection-centered, reflecting the light of Christ even in times of loss. Even during the penitential season of Lent, funerals are considered Easter liturgies that proclaim “Alleluia!”
Practical and Pastoral Considerations
Clergy should be contacted as soon as possible when a death occurs, so that pastoral care can be provided to the family and plans can begin for the funeral service.
Funerals generally take place in the Church, but can also be conducted at a funeral home or at the graveside. The body is ideally present in any case, either in a coffin or as ashes.
Scheduling a funeral requires the coordination between the Church (and Priest’s) availability, the funeral home’s commitments, and the family’s travel concerns. That being said, families are encouraged not to unnecessarily delay funerals because of work or school schedules — there is a witness to our world in interrupting the obligations of everyday life to mourn a family member. Please do not announce any funeral plans until both the Church and Funeral Home have confirmed.
While the funeral service itself is shaped by Prayer Book liturgy, there is space for personal reflection and family participation. Families are invited to suggest:
- Readings from Scripture (at least one must be from the Gospels)
- Appropriate hymns or sacred music (generally 4-5 pieces of music)
The focus of the liturgy is on God’s promises and the life of the deceased as part of God’s larger story. Secular music is not appropriate during the liturgy, but can be used during a reception following the service. Likewise, eulogies or personal remembrances should take place outside the liturgy.
Cremation, Burial, and the Church
The Episcopal Church allows for both full-body burial and cremation. The remains are treated with reverence, and interment in consecrated ground, such as a churchyard or columbarium, is encouraged.
Funeral services may also include:
- Burial of ashes at a later date or
- Memorial services when a body is not present (due either to distance or prior-burial).
A Ministry of Presence and Hope
The Church is present to walk with individuals and families:
- At the time of dying (with prayers and pastoral care),
- In the days following death (with funeral preparation and support),
- And in the months of grief that follow (through prayer, pastoral visits, and community care).
In all things, Episcopal funerals proclaim the Christian truth that death never has the final word. As we say in the liturgy:
“Even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.”