Leaving the Church and Burial Rights
· 2 min read
Leaving the church in Finland
Leaving the church has become significantly more common in Finland in the 2000s. About 65 per cent of Finns belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, but leaving is a growing trend, especially among younger age groups. Leaving is easiest through the electronic eroakirkosta.fi service. Leaving the church often raises questions about how it affects the funeral and burial rights. The law, however, guarantees everyone the right to a dignified funeral.
Burial rights under the law
The Burial Act 457/2003 is clear: every person residing in Finland has the right to be buried regardless of religious conviction or church membership. Cemeteries maintained by the Evangelical Lutheran Church are obliged to provide a burial plot to all who have resided in the locality. The Freedom of Religion Act 453/2003 further guarantees the right to a funeral ceremony in accordance with one's convictions. Leaving the church thus does not mean that the funeral is in any way at risk.
Burial plot and pricing
A burial plot can be obtained from a church cemetery even after leaving the church, but the pricing may differ. For parish members the plot is often cheaper, and non-members are charged a higher fee. The price difference varies by parish but is typically 1.5–3 times. Some cities have municipal or non-denominational cemeteries where pricing is not based on church membership. It is worth enquiring about burial plot prices directly from the parish.
Blessing and ceremony
A person who has left the church may receive a church blessing if the family wishes — the decision is at the discretion of the parish pastor. Most pastors agree to the blessing. Another option is a secular ceremony, in which an officiant or a family member conducts a non-religious farewell. Both alternatives are equally dignified. The most important thing is to respect the known will of the deceased and the wishes of the family regarding the form of the ceremony.
Practical advice for families
When a loved one has left the church, the family can prepare for funeral arrangements by finding out the deceased's wishes in advance. The funeral home helps with arrangements regardless of whether it is a church or secular funeral. An officiant can be booked through the Finnish Freethinkers' Association or a private service provider. The burial plot is booked normally from the parish cemetery or a municipal cemetery. All funeral costs are deductible from the estate's assets at the estate inventory.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone who has left the church get a burial plot in a church cemetery?
Yes, the Burial Act 457/2003 obliges cemeteries maintained by the Evangelical Lutheran Church to provide a burial plot to all who have resided in the locality, regardless of religious conviction or church membership. A person who has left the church thus has a legally guaranteed right to a burial plot. Pricing may differ: for parish members the plot is often cheaper than for non-members. However, a burial plot cannot be refused.
Can someone who has left the church receive a church blessing?
A person who has left the church may receive a church blessing if the family requests it. The decision is at the discretion of the pastor, and most pastors agree to conduct the blessing. Church regulations allow a blessing also for someone who does not belong to the church. In practice, it is advisable to discuss the matter openly with the parish pastor. If a church blessing is not possible or desired, a secular ceremony is a dignified alternative.
How does leaving the church affect funeral costs?
Leaving the church may affect funeral costs, as the burial plot and the use of the funeral chapel are often cheaper for parish members. The burial plot fee for a non-member may be 1.5–3 times the member's fee. The pastor's fee may be a separate cost. Overall, however, the differences are moderate, and a secular funeral is not significantly more expensive than a church funeral. Exact prices vary by parish.
Can someone who has left the church be buried in a family plot?
Yes, someone who has left the church can be buried in an existing family plot in a church cemetery. The Burial Act does not require church membership for the use of a family plot. The family plot is managed by the family, and family members may be buried there regardless of conviction. The form of the ceremony — church or secular — is agreed separately. The right to the family plot is tied to the holder of the plot, not to church membership.
What if the deceased's wishes and the family's wishes differ?
If the deceased expressed their wishes about the funeral during their lifetime, these should be respected as far as possible. According to the Burial Act, the known will of the deceased takes precedence. If the deceased wanted a secular funeral but the family wishes for a church funeral, or vice versa, the deceased's wish carries more weight. In cases of conflict, the funeral home can act as a mediator. Open discussion among family members and a possible compromise help find a solution.
Read also
Secular funeral and non-religious ceremony: arranging the ceremony, officiant, burial plot, and rights guaranteed by law. A comprehensive guide to secular funerals.
Lutheran funeral in Finland: funeral service, church ceremony, hymns, and traditions. A comprehensive guide to the stages of a Lutheran funeral.
Choosing a cemetery and burial plot: parish cemeteries, municipal cemeteries, prices, and practices. A guide to reserving a burial plot.