Christianity & Funerals (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

In Catholic Christianity, the Last Rites are sacraments given to people who are seriously ill or near death

They include:

• Confession 

• Anointing of the sick

• Holy Communion (called Viaticum when given at the point of death)

These sacraments bring peace, forgiveness and spiritual strength

They help prepare a person’s soul for death and entry into eternal life

A priest performs the rites, offering prayers and blessings

The last rites include anointing with oil as a symbol of healing and God’s presence

In Orthodox Christianity, there is less focus on the last rites, but the anointing of the sick is still an important sacrament

• Orthodox Christians prepare for death through regular confession and communion

Anglican churches offer similar practices called Ministry to the Sick or Commendation of the Dying

Protestant churches may not have formal last rites but may offer prayer and support

After death, Christians hold funeral ceremonies to remember the life of the deceased and to support those who mourn their loss

In Catholic and Anglican funerals, a coffin is often sprinkled with holy water and covered with a white pall, symbolising baptism and resurrection

Christian funerals usually include:

• Bible readings

• Hymns

• Prayers

• A sermon

These are all carefully chosen to reflect Christian beliefs about the hope of life after death

• This belief in the afterlife offers hope for the bereaved 

A eulogy may be included to celebrate the life of the deceased

Funerals are followed by interment (burial) or cremation of the body

• In many denominations, burial is preferred because it reflects the Christian belief in the resurrection of the body

At the graveside, a priest or minister often conducts a short prayer service before the body is committed to the ground

• The minister or priest may say “ashes to ashes, dust to dust”. These words come from the Bible and reflect belief in the resurrection of the body

• Prayers are said for the person’s soul and for those who are grieving

• The coffin is lowered into the ground, and soil may be scattered over it as a final act of farewell

In cremations, the committal may take place before or after the service

• Ashes may later be buried, scattered or kept by the family, in line with personal or church tradition

Orthodox Christians typically require the body to be buried and include an open-casket vigil before the funeral

All funeral rituals:

• Honour the memory of the deceased

• Help the bereaved acknowledge death

• Allow them to express grief at their loss

• Offer comfort and hope through Christian teaching

• Allow the Christian community to support those who are grieving