Funeral Service Times August 2017 June 2019 | Page 29

HUMANIST CEREMONIES 29
Humanist celebrants:
What’s in a name?
This month, we take a look at the meaning behind the term ‘humanist celebrant’ and turn a few
myths on their heads in the process.
A
nyone can call themselves
a humanist celebrant, but
only a celebrant accredited
by Humanists UK can call
themselves a Humanist
Ceremonies celebrant.
WHAT DOES THE
ACCREDITATION MEAN?
The official humanist ceremonies network
consists of celebrants trained and
accredited by Humanists UK to conduct
personal, meaningful, non-religious
ceremonies for funerals, memorials,
weddings, vow renewals, and namings in
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the
Channel Islands.
Humanists UK’s members pioneered
humanist funerals in 1896. Today, network
members are supported by the wealth of
experience the organisation has gained
in the past 123 years. The training has
the Open College Network Quality Mark,
which is in indication of its high quality and
rigorous standards.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A
HUMANIST?
There are many ways of defining
humanism, but broadly speaking, it’s a
philosophy or world view. Humanists are
non-religious people who shape their lives
in the here and now, because they believe
this is the only life we have.
Humanism is an approach to life shared
by millions in the UK today; people who
want to put emphasis on the important
things in life, like the value of family and
the community, and always being kind and
tolerant towards others.
ARE HUMANIST FUNERALS
NEW?
Non-religious people have always wanted
a non-religious way to mark death with
dignity, however, as religious belief has
declined in the UK in recent years, humanist
funerals have become much more popular.
With 53% of the population identifying as
non-religious and over a million attending
humanist ceremonies, humanist funerals
are becoming the mainstream choice.
www.funeralservicetimes.co.uk
DO YOU HAVE TO BE A
HUMANIST TO HAVE A
HUMANIST CELEBRANT
CONDUCT YOUR FUNERAL?
Not at all. Humanist funerals are suitable for
anyone who would be most appropriately
remembered with a personal, non-religious
ceremony.
Humanist funerals are about the person
who has died, the life they led and the
relationships they forged. They are based
on the humanist perspective that every life
is individual and valuable.
DOES THE FUNERAL CEREMONY
HAVE TO TAKE PLACE AT A
CREMATORIUM?
Although crematoriums and cemeteries are
still popular venues for funeral ceremonies,
an increasing number of people are
realising that they can choose a private
burial or cremation, followed by a memorial
ceremony days or even weeks after. This
can be held in a location or venue that is
more fitting and personal.
CAN HYMNS AND PRAYERS
BE INCLUDED IN A HUMANIST
FUNERAL CEREMONY?
In the UK, religious influence is embedded
in everyday life, and accordingly, humanist
funerals may involve religious content
where it reflects on the life of the deceased.
For example, a hymn may be included
because it was the deceased’s favourite
song.
Humanist ceremonies celebrants
do not lead acts of collective worship,
but as humanist funerals are inclusive
and welcoming, time is included for
contemplation where people can privately
reflect according to their own beliefs.
ARE HUMANIST CELEBRANTS
SELF-EMPLOYED?
Celebrants are self-employed, but humanist
ceremonies celebrants have the support of
fellow network members – which means
there is always someone to cover in case
of emergency. Network members are also
covered by Humanists UK’s professional
indemnity insurance.
WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE
BECOME HUMANIST
CELEBRANTS?
Humanist celebrants come from many
different walks of life. There’s no such
thing as a ‘typical’ celebrant. Some are
full-time celebrants, whilst others combine
being a humanist celebrant with other
work or caring responsibilities. And, whilst
some celebrants conduct the full range of
ceremonies, others choose to conduct just
one kind.
Further information: humanistceremonies.
org.uk
JUNE 2019