'Happy' funerals grow in popularity; Humanist ceremonies up 700% in

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Feb 15, 2004 | by Stuart Patterson

Scots are moving away from the traditional church funeral and opting for ceremonies that seek to celebrate the life of the deceased, new figures reveal.

The secular Humanist Society of Scotland - which says it represents people who adopt a non-religious, but ethical life stance based on enlightened self-interest - has reported a seven-fold leap in the number of funeral services it has conducted over the past five years.

Although founded in the 1920s, the organisation did not begin carrying out funerals in Scotland until the late 1980s. It claims its latest figures show people are becoming increasingly disenchanted with religious tradition.

Ivan Middleton, secretary of the Humanist Society of Scotland, said: "People want something different. They want to celebrate someone's life instead of mourning their death, and that's where we come in."

A Humanist service begins with the Humanist member, or officiant, reading an appropriate piece of poetry or literary extract. It continues with a biography of the deceased and almost always includes light touches of humour. A break in the service, where the person's favourite piece of music is played, adds to the informal atmosphere.

There are around 700 members of the Humanist Society of Scotland, including 30 officiants who can carry out funerals. They also perform naming ceremonies for children and increasing numbers of "weddings", although couples still have to be officially married by a registrar. Growing demand has led to the society arranging training schools to teach members how to conduct ceremonies.

Figures released this week by the charity show that society members conducted more than 1000 funerals in Scotland last year - a 700% increase on 1998 figures.

While some clergy do seek to celebrate the person's life at funerals - Rev Alastair Symington conducted a laughter-filled service for Scottish comedy legend Rikki Fulton earlier this month - many still believe that funerals should be sombre occasions.

Brian Kearney, a spokesman for the Catholic Church said: "Many people find that the Church can provide great solace for them at times of loss and often come back to us."

He added: "The Humanists are a fringe group - nothing more. I don't think they are taking anything away from mainstream churches. Around 670,000 people go to church in Scotland every week."

A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: "It seems to us the requirement for church funerals is as great as ever. We are currently offering training to enable elders to conduct funeral services to help relieve the pressure on ministers." He did, however, suggest that the rising popularity of Humanist services "reflects people's wish for freedom of choice".

Middleton, who carries out services in Edinburgh, believes the society provides a much-needed alternative to traditional services. He said: "Our funerals have grown in popularity largely through word- of-mouth, passed on by people who have attended one of our ceremonies and enjoyed it.

"People attending a service for the first time are usually quite impressed - and a bit surprised - and want the same for their friends and relatives."

It's a view backed by Dr Catherine Perry, wife of the late scientist, Lord Perry of Walton, founding vice-chancellor of the Open University. His Humanist funeral was conducted by Middleton last year. Perry said: "The children and I spent days writing the ceremony, a tremendously cathartic experience that brought us all closer together."

People from different stages of Lord Perry's life, including friend Lord David Owen, spoke about the man they knew and their memories were interspersed with music. The service included reflection and prayer for those with religious views. "That was important because we wanted it to be an open, inclusive service," said Perry.

She added that her husband once said he didn't want his funeral to involve "a minister spouting about him who had actually never met him". That happened at his sister's funeral and "distressed him greatly".

A Humanist funeral enabled a true celebration of her husband's life, said Perry. Fears that people might be offended by the informality proved unfounded. "The service allowed people to celebrate his life free of the constraints of a traditional service."

Perry added: "It was the best funeral that I have ever been to, if that makes sense."