| Life Rites - Birth, Marriage, Death and other occassions |
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Traditionally churches and other religious bodies have provided services to mark these significant occassions in our lives, but now many people who have no religious affiliations either accept formalitites which are meaningless to them or forgo such ceremonial celebrations altogether. This need not happen. Unitarian ministers are free and yet also obliged to try to meet the individual needs of people whether or not they belong to unitarian congregations. Although such ministers may have worked out forms of 'occassional' services refelecting their own beliefs and experience of life, they are more than willing to adapt ceremonies to meet particular needs by incorporating words and music important to those involved, or helping to create, and sometimes even conduct, their own form of ceremony or celebration. Birth and Adoption A ceremony to celebrate the birth or adoption of a child may be called a Welcoming, a Naming, or a Dedication, a Blessing, A Thanksgiving, or, more traditionally, a Baptism or Christening. Accordingly the form and content will differ. Water may or may not be used. The ceremony may take place in a Unitarian place of worship or the home if this is more appropriate to those involved. Marriage The form and content of Wedding or Marriage Services are usually arrived at by the minister working together with the couple concerned according to their needs and wishes though here there are a few legal requirements. Where the law allows the services may take place somewhere other than in a place of worship. Death Whether at a crematorium, place of worship, home or graveside, Unitarian ministers are concerned primarily with the needs and wishes of the bereaved, and seek to reflect the life and beliefs of the deceased in a personal way. Other Occasions The degree of freedom permitted to Unitarian ministers, and to Unitarians generally, means that beliefs and practices vary considerably. However, ministers are usually willing to consider other ceremonies which mark significant occasions in people's lives. Some ministers will consider facilitating rededication of marriage, a coming of age celebration, a blessing of same sex union or friendship, separation when two people decide to part amicably, and other ceremonies to mark lesser, but nonetheless signifacant moments in life like moving home or retirement. In all these situations Unitarian practice starts from human needs rather than fixed religious ideas, but the ceremonies which result are often in their preparation and enactment, deeply spiritual and memorable, being firmly based on the integrity and compassion of the minister and the deep needs of those for whom the service is conducted. If you think that a Unitarian minister may be the best person to serve you on one of these highly important occasions you can get in touch with our minister;- Rev.David Usher, 5, Westerham Rd., Sevenoaks, Kent. TN13 2PX Tel;(office)01732 465248 email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Or alternatively, contact General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, Essex Hall, 1-6 Essex Street, Strand, London WC2R 3HY Tel (01)2402384 |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 November 2006 ) |