A poll commissioned by Theos and conducted by YouGov reveals that less than half (47%) of the 2,569 respondents desire a funeral. The report highlights a significant shift in British grieving practices and warns of a potential pastoral gap due to the decline in formal funeral ceremonies. 24% of participants do not want a funeral, while 28% are undecided. Financial concerns are a factor, with 13% citing lack of funds. The main reasons for not wanting a funeral include preferring to spend money differently (67%), not seeing the point (55%), and not wanting a traditional service (43%). The survey also found that frequent worshippers are more likely to want a funeral. It also emphasises the importance of the Church in providing support and rethinking its approach to death and mourning in contemporary society, highlighting the role of church buildings as places of remembrance.
Don’t bother with a funeral, say most poll respondents
Written by David Fletcher 30 Nov 2023Additional Info
- Pray: that the Church will continue to convey compassion and hope to families in mourning. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- More: www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/1-december/news/uk/don-t-bother-with-a-funeral-for-me-say-majority-of-poll-respondents
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