A Theology of Christian Burial:

As members of the Church, having been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is appropriate that all Christian persons be buried from the Church. As we believe in the resurrection of Christ, so we also believe that our bodies will participate in His resurrection at the Last Day. These concepts are foundational to our identity as Christians, and we affirm them when we recite the Creeds of the Church in worship. As members of the body of Christ, it is most important that the Burial Office be a service of public worship, and that it be read within the context of the Holy Eucharist. To do so is a powerful symbol of our being joined to the whole Church, both the living and the dead.

As the Prayer Book states (BCP 507), the Burial Office is an Easter liturgy which finds its meaning in our Lord's victory over death and the grave. In this liturgy, we celebrate the life and ministry of our deceased sister or brother. And, we look forward in an eschatological way to reunion with those who are dead, and with Christ himself, "the pioneer and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

Even so, our joy in the passing of a loved one into the larger life in Christ neither can nor should preclude a natural outpouring of grief. Whenever we have become separated from one whom we love, grief over that loss is a good, healthy and God-given emotional response. Indeed, one purpose of the funeral rite is to aid in the facilitation of such grief by clearly showing the finality of death until the time of resurrection. How an individual experiences grief in no way provides a measure of that person's faith, Christian hope or love for the deceased.

Concerning the Disposition of the Remains:

In our culture an entire industry has developed around death and funerals, one whose practices in many ways are contrary to the theology of death and burial given above. Therefore, it is important to remember that funeral homes are businesses, and, while they provide a valuable service, they remain in business by making a profit. From a Christian perspective, funeral costs should be kept to a minimum, and the spending of large amounts of money should not be confused with how much we loved the deceased. In death, all are equal before God. This is shown in our Church by the covering of the coffin with a pall, which symbolizes that equality. Thus, any relative richness or poverty of the coffin is hidden from view while in the Church.

Further, the laws of North Carolina do not require the use of a burial vault (even though some cemeteries do). Neither is embalming required by law if burial is within a certain time of death. Therefore, many of the more expensive parts of a funeral "package" may be eliminated or kept to a minimum.

Also, there are options for the disposal of the remains other than earth burial. With our Memorial Garden in place, cremation may be an attractive option, as might be the donation of the body to a medical school. Further, families are urged to consider the possibility of organ donations. Medical technology in the field of transplants is constantly improving, and the gift of organs may mean life for someone else. Please know that the rector is available always to assist in the choice of funeral homes, cemeteries, or subsequent services.

What to do at the approach or time of death:

The Prayer Book states that, "The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation" (BCP 490). Therefore, the rector should be notified whenever a member of the parish is near death, so that preparations can be begun. It is appropriate that those present at the death read the Order for Ministration at the Time of Death, found on Page 462 of the Prayer Book. The Commendation should be read by a priest, if one was not present for the preceding parts of the rite. This may be done at the place of death or at the funeral home.

Concerning the donation of flowers and memorials:

There is no need for flowers in the Church other than those on the altar. Persons wishing to send flowers are encouraged, therefore, to make memorial gifts to charitable organizations or institutions. As stated earlier, the coffin will be covered by the pall both in the Church and at the grave site. Thus, a "coffin spray" is not needed. Also as a cost-reducing measure, the use of tents, plastic grass, or other funeral accoutrements are discouraged as unnecessary.

About the Burial Service:

The service appropriately takes place in the Church, not the funeral home chapel. The officiant at a burial office and celebrant of any requiem Eucharist will be the rector of this parish. If the family wishes that other clergy assist at the burial, please notify the rector at an early stage in the planning. The rector will, in turn, contact those clergy and make the necessary arrangements.

The burial offices used in this parish are those provided in the Book of Common Prayer, 1979. Either of the rites may be used, with the normal usage in this parish being Rite Two. The service begins with the spoken anthems on Page 491. If the coffin has been brought to the Church, it is closed and covered with the pall from the time of its arrival. Upon entering the nave, the clergy precedes the coffin down the aisle with the family following. Once everyone reaches their place, the service will proceed according to the form printed in the bulletin, which will be provided by the parish.

It is appropriate that friends of the deceased function as lectors in the service, reading the lessons. If desired, however, lectors will be provided from among the Lay Readers of the parish. The services of acolytes also will be provided by the parish. The music for the service will be chosen in consultation with the parish organist and will be played by her. There is no fee charged by the parish or any persons assisting.

As stated earlier, it is normative that the Holy Eucharist be celebrated in the context of the burial office.

When the liturgy is concluded at the Church, the clergy will lead the procession out of the building. From there, all will proceed to the place of interment. Once all have arrived and taken places around the grave, the Committal service will be read.

Concerning Special Services (non-Church):

As stated earlier, the order for burial as provided in the Book of Common Prayer is the only service which will be used in this parish. If other rites (Freemasonry, Fraternal Lodges, Orders, etc.) are expected, they must take place at another time and in another location than the service of the Church.

It is the greatest hope of your clergy that we be called upon for assistance whenever a death occurs within our parish or its extended family. It is both our duty and our privilege to provide the ministry of the Church in such times of need. Also, please call the rector if you are thinking about planning your funeral in advance. The parish has forms available to assist you in this task, and if this information is on file, the arrangements to be made at the time of death are greatly reduced.

© June 2000, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Canton, NC.