Death and Burial

All cultures have ways to deal with death. Christians do so with the aid of liturgies that express both grief over the loss of a loved one and hope for resurrection of the body through Jesus Christ. The first is Ministry to the Dying, which provides pastoral care for baptized Christians as they near the point of death. This may include prayers, confession and absolution, anointing with Oil of the Sick (Oil of Unction, Oleum Infirmorum), and Holy Communion.

The second rite is Prayers for a Vigil at or following a death. This liturgy provides pastoral ministry for family and friends of the deceased, whether at their home, at a funeral home or viewing of the body, or at the church prior to the Burial Office.

The principal Anglican liturgy for a Christian who has died is the rite for Burial of the Dead, which proclaims our Gospel hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a service of Christian worship, its primary focus is not on the person who has died; rather, we commend that person into the hands of a faithful God. Both the music and homily should therefore direct those gathered toward faith and hope in the risen Lord. While there may be circumstances where a brief approved eulogy is permissible, remembrances by family and friends can more appropriately be offered at a reception or gathering after the liturgy. The Prayer Book rite also includes a committal for burial of the body or disposition of remains.

Areas of Liturgics

1. History of Christian Worship
2. Content and use of The Book of Common Prayer
3. Daily Office
4. Corporate and Private Prayer
5. Sacramental Theology
6. The Holy Eucharist
7. Baptism and Confirmation
8. Marriage and Children
9. Rites of Healing
10. Death and Burial
11. Sanctification of Time
12. Sanctification of Space
13. Liturgy and Music
14. Liturgy and Mission