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Ceremonies

 

Members of the Belfast Humanist Group have years of experience in conducting Humanist ceremonies.

Funerals.  A Humanist funeral is a celebration of the life of the deceased.  The ceremony is devised in close collaboration with the family or friends of the deceased and usually includes a memoir, some favourite music and personal tributes in the form of poetry, readings and anecdotes which are often spoken by friends and family themselves.  The book, “Funerals Without God”, is often helpful (see below).  To read an article about Humanist funerals click here.

Contact Les Reid  028 90 867 239  or  les.reid@btinternet.com

Or Mrs M Ewing 02890 760002  or  Mr N Scott 02890 665239.

Naming ceremonies.  Many parents are keen to mark the arrival of their new baby with a special occasion, which we call a naming ceremony.  It is not only a celebration, with friends and family, but also a time to affirm the parents’ commitment to their child and to each other.  The booklet, "New Arrivals", (see below) contains some guidance on organising a ceremony.

Contact Mrs Ruth Yeo 02890 617919.

Weddings.  Marriage is a very important event in the lives of the couple concerned.  A Humanist ceremony is therefore serious, dignified and sincere, with music, poetry, symbolic rituals and personal tributes, all arranged by the couple in consultation with the celebrant.  Because all the important choices are made by the couple themselves, the ceremony is unique to them.  Some details of the content and legal status of a Humanist wedding ceremony can be found at Wedding Guide.

Contact Les Reid  02890 867239 or Milan Kopriva  02890 248550

Useful books on non-religious ceremonies, including many examples of poetry, readings and music which might be used, are available from the British Humanist Association in London (tel. 020 7079 3580).  The books are: “Funerals Without God”, “New Arrivals” for naming ceremonies and “Sharing the Future” for weddings.  The books are less than £10 each, including postage.