How do I get support in moments of grief?

People often turn to the church in moments of grief surrounding the death of a loved one. The Church offers much to help and comfort during this difficult time. The Church has always walked alongside those who pass from this life into death.

How do I organise the funeral?

Funerals in the Scottish Episcopal Church are conducted by authorised ministers (clergy or lay readers) and they are your first point of contact in making funeral arrangements. Services can take place in a church, at a crematorium, or at the graveside. Information about crematoria and cemeteries can be found on your local council websites.

Services are structured using the church’s Funeral rites. These rites provide a framework for prayerful celebration of the life of those ‘we love but see no longer’, commending them to God’s keeping and proclaiming the hope of the fulness of the life of God’s Kingdom. Within these funeral service, those arranging the service, are able to choose appropriate readings, hymns and music (including those chosen by the person who has died). The minister who is conducting the service can help you with this.

To arrange a funeral, you can contact your local Rector, or you can contact your local church through the services of an undertaker. An undertaker will normally guide you through the process of making funeral arrangements.