For the non-religious, a growing proportion of the UK’s population, a Humanist ceremony seems an appropriate and suitable way of marking life’s significant occasions – and death too.

Humanist Ceremonies is part of the British Humanist Association (BHA) which trains and accredits celebrants to conduct humanist funerals to a very high standard.

So, when non-believers die, their funerals do not have to be conducted according to religious rituals which would be inappropriate and, for their family and friends, feel hypocritical.

A humanist funeral does not commend the spirit of the deceased into the care of a deity. There are no hymns or prayers. Instead, it celebrates the life of the person.

The celebrant visits and consults the bereaved to prepare a full, fitting and personal tribute. This can often be extremely helpful for the grieving.

Whether a cremation or burial is the option, friends and family are encouraged to choose readings and music representing the deceased’s life, and to participate however it suits them.

The celebrant will organise and conduct a specially tailored ceremony.

Humanist celebrants provide the family with a script of the funeral so they can refer back to it, or show it to people unable to attend. Humanists hold the principle that we have only one life, so it is important to make the best of it. They are deeply moral but instead of relying on religion, dogma or superstition to guide them, turn to the innate intelligence and goodness of humanity.

Rebecca Vincent, one of the BHA’s celebrants covering the Oxford area, works with family and friends to provide ‘the best send off possible, with a ceremony they have chosen’.

A funeral director should also be able to find a humanist celebrant.

For more details, call 020 7079 3580, or visit the website: www.humanism.org.uk