# Christian funerals

> A Christian funeral gives thanks for the person’s life and commends them to God in the hope of resurrection. It usually includes hymns, Bible readings, prayers, a tribute and a committal, held in a church, crematorium or cemetery chapel. Most denominations accept burial and cremation, although Orthodox churches traditionally require burial.

Source: https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/christian/ — FuneralFinder

## Key facts

- **Burial or cremation:** Both accepted by most churches; Orthodox churches traditionally require burial
- **Where:** Church, crematorium, cemetery chapel or graveside
- **Who leads:** A priest, vicar, minister or pastor — or a lay person in some churches

## Christian funerals by denomination

Christian funeral customs differ between traditions. See our guides to [Church of England](/faiths/church-of-england/), [Catholic](/faiths/catholic/), [Church of Scotland & Presbyterian](/faiths/church-of-scotland/), [Methodist](/faiths/methodist/), [Baptist](/faiths/baptist/), [Orthodox](/faiths/orthodox/), [Pentecostal & Evangelical](/faiths/pentecostal-evangelical/), [Quaker](/faiths/quaker/) and [Jehovah’s Witness](/faiths/jehovahs-witness/) funerals.
Every family and community is different. Use this as a starting point, follow the wishes of the person who died, and ask their faith leader or community for guidance.

## Etiquette

- **What to wear:** Traditionally dark, smart clothing — but follow any dress code the family requests.
- **What to say:** “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
- **Flowers:** Usually welcome.

## FAQs

### Do Christians allow cremation?

Most Christian churches accept cremation. The Catholic Church permits it but prefers burial; Orthodox churches traditionally require burial.