Quaker funerals are similar to Quaker Meetings for Worship: a silent meeting with ministry given and open to anyone to contribute, remembering and celebrating the life of the person who has died.
The funeral is the responsibility of the Area Meeting. An Elder from the Area Meeting is responsible for ensuring the meeting is conducted in the manner of Friends as well as in accordance with the wishes of the deceased and their family.
An Elder would introduce the Meeting for Worship and explain the form it will take on the occasion of the funeral. This is important when members of the congregation may not be Quakers or are not familiar with the style of worship. Other Quakers, who knew the person who has died, may attend the funeral.
Leaflets about Quaker funerals can be obtained from Friends Bookshop in London (tel 020 7663 1030; quakercentre@quaker.org.uk). These may be helpful for people attending the funeral. Information is also available online at https://quaker.org.uk/our-organisation/support-for-meetings/funerals-1
Sometimes the deceased or their relatives may be members of another church, or sometimes a Quaker is also a member of another denomination. In these cases there might be a joint service with a minister participating as well.
The needs and style of a Quaker funeral may be as varied as the individuals and their lives.
Funerals may take place in a Meeting House, in a church, or at a crematorium, but could also be at the person’s home, or at any other convenient place, depending on the wishes of the deceased & their family.
Janet Fairbairn, Lochaber and Lorn Local Meeting