Anglican

Anglicism is a branch of the Protestant faith. For Anglicans, the concepts of Heaven and Hell as places for the afterlife are key, with eternal life being achieved through faith in Jesus. Service in the Anglican Church may be a simple commemoration ceremony or a full religious funeral with Holy Communion administered..

Before the funeral

•  A minister of the Anglican church will normally be approached to help with the planning of the funeral, and a funeral provider will be happy to work alongside them
•  A funeral viewing is a common practice amongst the Anglican community in which those invited by the family can come to pay their respects and say goodbye before the service
•  Embalming is acceptable within this Protestant religion

During the service 

•  Assembling in a church, attendees will normally dress in black or dark-coloured formal clothing, unless the family requests otherwise
• The casket will be brought into the church and placed at the front, after the service it will be carried out by select members of the deceased’s family and friends. The casket remains closed for the duration of the funeral. If the body isn’t present, a photograph will stand in place of it
• Hymns (religious songs) will be sung and readings read by family and/or the priest, as well as appropriate music pertinent to the deceased. Eulogies may be given by loved ones
• Holy Communion (the taking of wine and bread considered to be the blood and flesh of Jesus) is common and an important part of the Anglican mass. There’s no obligation to participate, but unlike other Christian faiths non-Anglicans may take the Communion should they wish

After the service

• Should a burial be preferred by the family, the priest will accompany them along with friends to the burial site and lead the procession
• A common post-funeral practice is to proceed from the church to the home of a family member or friend for a ‘wake’ – a gathering to share something to eat and drink. You may bring some food or drink with you, but this isn’t necessary