Presbyterian Funeral Customs

Presbyterian Funeral Service Rituals

The Presbyterian Church was founded on the beliefs of John Calvin (1509-1564) who taught that a church should be a democracy under the authority of God. Historically, many differences led to various schisms that were overcome in 1983 when at least ten different denominations merged to form the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. As other […]


Mormon Funeral Customs

Mormon Funeral Funeral Service Rituals

Commonly known as the Mormon faith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest religious group founded in America. As the name suggests, it is a restoration for modern (i.e., latter) times of the original Church of Jesus Christ which was lost in the Dark Ages. It is believed that God restored […]


Methodist Funerals

Methodist Funeral Service Rituals

Quick Reference Length of Service Depends Flowers? Yes Food? Yes Dress Code? (Men/Women) Dark & Somber / Men: Jacket & Tie Recording Devices?


Lutheran Funeral Customs

Lutheran Funeral Service Rituals

In the latter part of the 15th century, Martin Luther, a German, was one of many who objected to the Roman Catholic teaching that one is saved by faith and good works. In contrast, he believed in being saved by simply following Jesus. He also believed that the church should conduct services in the languages […]


Jewish Funeral Customs

Jewish Funeral Service Rituals

Jewish funeral service rituals and practices have traditionally followed a strong set of customs and beliefs which are based on the Torah. Although these beliefs remain important in the Orthodox and Conservative Jewish cultures, some of the traditional customs have been modified under Reform Judaism. The Jewish people hold the philosophy that one should embrace […]



Islamic Funeral Customs

Islamic Funeral Customs and Service Rituals

The word “Islam” means the “achievement of peace with Allah [God] and man, and complete resignation to Allah in thoughts, words, beliefs, and deeds.” Moslems, the followers of the Islamic religion, live by the Koran. The Koran teaches: There is one God, Allah. There is a day of judgment and a life after death. God […]


Hindu Funeral Customs

Hindu Funeral Customs and Rituals

Note: Hindu funeral service rituals vary between sects and subsects. The following information is generalized to be representative of Hindu funeral customs and traditions. If you have specific questions relating to Hindu funeral customs for an individual sect, we recommend that you consult with your spiritual advisor. Hinduism is the third largest religion in the […]


Greek Orthodox Funeral Customs

Greek Orthodox Funeral Service Rituals

Greek Orthodox as it is described below refers to the affiliation of churches that come under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. According to the Archdiocese, there are some 540 parishes located throughout the country. That means that funeral practices may vary somewhat from family to family and by congregation and region […]


Episcopal Funeral Service Rituals

As in other Christian faiths, funeral services are held in a church or funeral home. Guests may sit where they choose and are not expected to view the body. A priest leads the service and sometimes includes a Bible lesson as part of the program.


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