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Funerals: Muslim Sikh Hindu Jewish Humanist Buddhist Home
Christian funerals Christian symbol image
Christian funeral rites vary according to the different sects of the Catholic and Protestant branches of the religion. There are, however, many similarities - Protestant rites are usually a simplified version of Catholic rites.

Quaker Funerals - These are usually quiet and informal affairs. One or more of the people present may speak personally about the deceased. Others may read or quote, however, the majority of time is spent in silent contemplation. The body is buried or cremated with a simple ceremony at the municipal crematorium.

Protestant Funerals - A dying person may have a pastor attend the death bed and prayers may be said. A brief prayer is said for the deceased at the church on the Sunday following the death.
The funeral can take many forms and may include speeches and readings by relatives and close friends.

Greek Orthodox Funerals - Burials last, in the first instance for 3-5 years. The body is then exhumed in a family ceremony with a priest. The bones are then washed, left to dry in the sun, put in a casket and placed in a columbarium - a building fitted with niches that looks like a dovecote.

Roman Catholic Funerals - at the approach of death a priest is summoned to hear the dying person's confession and to absolve them, administer Holy Communion and Extreme Unction, anointing the person with oil that has been blessed by a bishop.
Burial is preceded by prayers for the dead. A requiem is recited at the funeral and the body in the coffin is blessed with incense and sprinkled with holy water.


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