Peoples Republic of South Devon

Births, deaths and marriages

June 28th, 2008

posted by Cptn

A Humanist wedding on Slapton Sands

Friday’s a funeral and Saturday’s bride, as the song goes, and we have hot news from the humanists that non-religious weddings, baby-namings and funerals are becoming far more popular in Devon.

On Thursday in Birdwood House, Totnes, local celebrants Jonathan Taylor, Stephen Peckham and Ann Mitchell described their role across the county, and the rising demand for non-religious ceremonies, and the happy Humanists got in touch to tell us what it’s all about.

“Humanist funerals, for example, are much more than simply an alternative to the default option of hymns and prayers,” Jonathan told the PRSD.

“They aren’t about beliefs, Humanist or otherwise, they are about the person who everyone is missing, and wants to remember clearly before letting his or her body be taken for burial or cremation. Families always tell me that they felt cared for and that, above all, the tribute to the person who died really captured his or her essence. A good funeral is meant to be a healing experience, and that is what humanist funeral celebrants concentrate on above all.”

“It is natural to want to celebrate the most important events in life with a special ceremony, usually involving speech, poetry, music, song, feasting and dancing”, said Anne.

“People have always needed to mark the important times in their lives. Humanists like to celebrate too, but prefer to do so in non-religious ceremonies, where they will not find themselves saying things they do not believe.”

“The British Humanist Association has a network of highly trained celebrants who work with people to create meaningful and moving – but non-religious – namings, weddings, affirmations or funerals, or any other ceremony, that is appropriate to the individuals’ needs and wishes,” Stephen explained.

“Our celebrations are always created for the people involved, so each one is unique and personal, with great scope for variation. Celebrants always discuss your own ideas and questions with you from the outset.”

For more information, contact:
Jonathan Taylor (funerals) 01803 865380, jmtaylor55@yahoo.co.uk;
Stephen Peckham (funerals) 01626 354547 s.j.peckham@btinternet.com;
Ann Mitchell (funerals, weddings, affirmations, namings) 01404 46766 ann.bhaceremony@btinternet.com
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