Secular Funeral and Non-Religious Ceremony
· 2 min read
What is a secular funeral
A secular funeral is a funeral ceremony that does not include religious elements such as prayers, hymns, or a pastor's address. It is an alternative to a church blessing and is suitable for those who do not belong to a church or whose convictions are not religious. A secular funeral is an equally dignified and official form of funeral as a church funeral. The Freedom of Religion Act 453/2003 and the Burial Act 457/2003 guarantee everyone the right to a funeral in accordance with their convictions.
Right to a secular funeral
Every person residing in Finland has the right to be buried in accordance with their convictions. 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. No one can be left without a burial plot because they do not belong to a church. However, the family should clearly express the wish for a secular ceremony to the funeral home and the cemetery administrator.
Arranging the ceremony
A secular ceremony is arranged in cooperation with the officiant and the funeral home. The officiant may be a professional speaker, a family member, or a close friend. The Finnish Freethinkers' Association provides trained speakers for secular ceremonies throughout Finland. The programme is planned around the personality and life story of the deceased: memorial speeches, music, poetry, and a moment of silence form a dignified whole.
Burial plot and cremation
In a secular funeral the burial plot options are the same as in a church funeral: coffin grave, urn grave, or memorial grove. Cremation is a common choice in secular funerals. The Burial Act also allows ashes to be scattered outside a cemetery with the landowner's permission. Municipal and non-denominational cemeteries offer an alternative to church cemeteries. The wishes of the deceased and the family are taken into account when booking the burial plot.
Practical arrangements
The practical arrangements for a secular funeral proceed largely in the same way as for a church funeral. The funeral home assists with choosing the coffin, transport, and scheduling. The officiant is booked separately. The venue is booked from a crematorium chapel, function room, or other suitable space. Invitations are sent and catering is planned as in other memorial services. Funeral homes are accustomed to arranging secular funerals and can advise on practical matters.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-religious person be buried 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. Parish membership may affect pricing, but a burial plot cannot be refused. In addition, some cities have municipal or private cemeteries that are non-denominational. A burial plot is thus always available regardless of conviction.
Who conducts a secular funeral?
A secular funeral is usually conducted by a professional officiant, a family member, or another close person. The Finnish Freethinkers' Association provides trained speakers for secular ceremonies. Private officiants are also available. The officiant does not need to hold a clerical office or any other official position. The most important thing is that the officiant respects the wishes of the deceased and the family and is able to create a dignified, warm occasion.
What does a secular ceremony include?
A secular ceremony may include words of welcome, memorial speeches, music, poetry readings, a moment of silence, and a farewell. In structure it resembles a church blessing but without religious elements such as prayers and hymns. The music may be the deceased's favourite songs, classical music, or folk music. The programme is planned entirely freely around the life story and personality of the deceased. The ceremony usually lasts 20–40 minutes.
Is a secular funeral cheaper than a church funeral?
The costs of a secular funeral are often in the same range as a church funeral, as the largest expenses — burial plot, coffin, transport, and memorial service — are the same. The officiant's fee is typically 200–500 euros. In a church funeral, the pastor's fee is often included in parish membership. Cost differences may arise in venue hire, as church or chapel access may be more affordable for parish members.
Can a chapel or church venue be used for a secular funeral?
The use of a chapel or church for a secular funeral depends on the parish. Many parishes also rent their premises for secular ceremonies, but practices vary. Crematorium facilities, chapel premises, and separate function venues are the most common options. Cemetery blessing chapels may also be available for secular ceremonies. It is advisable to discuss venue booking directly with the parish or the venue owner.
Read also
Leaving the church and burial rights: how leaving the church affects the funeral, burial plot, and blessing in Finland. Rights guaranteed by law.
A secular memorial service without religious elements: programme, officiant, and practical tips. A guide to organising a non-religious memorial service in Finland.
Lutheran funeral in Finland: funeral service, church ceremony, hymns, and traditions. A comprehensive guide to the stages of a Lutheran funeral.