Attending a Funeral in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Attending a funeral outside your faith can be intimidating. In life, your differences were less than the bonds of family or friendship that connected you. But religion plays an important part in death rituals, and the steps of a funeral can seem very different from one faith to the next.
What if you do something wrong or don’t know what the rules are? How do you know what to expect? What if you accidentally do something disrespectful? Will you be welcome there? Should you still attend?
As funeral directors, we say the answer to that last question is a resounding, “Yes!” It’s important to support the friends and family of a loved one who’s passed on, and paying respects in person will help you in your grief, too.
If you’ve been invited to a
funeral in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, don’t let your nervousness prevent you from coming and sharing your support. Understanding a little bit about what to expect and how to behave can help soothe your nerves. Below we answer some common questions we’ve heard from people of other faiths.
What to Expect at a Funeral in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes referred to as “The Mormon Church” or “The LDS Church,” is the fourth largest church in the U.S. and has deep roots in our Denver community.
LDS funerals are similar in many ways to other traditional Christian and even secular funerals. They are above all a time to remember, honor, and celebrate a life. These funerals are a serious and reverent time, and each service is personalized to the individual who passed away.
In general, the funeral will be held at a chapel or meeting house associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The service is presided over by a bishop, who will lead by talking about the deceased, their family, and their legacy. The bishop will also speak about Jesus Christ, affirming the belief in the resurrection and the eternal bond of family.
There is no liturgy or sacrament aspect to a funeral in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and guests will not be asked to participate in any particular rituals or call-and-response as you may have encountered in other funerals.
Before the funeral, there will usually be a community visitation or viewing, affording you time to say goodbye to the deceased. After this, there will be a private prayer with just the closest friends and family. Then the official funeral service, which will commonly feature hymns, readings, and eulogies. Most often, the funeral will be followed by a burial and a communal meal prepared by the church’s Relief Society. LDS funeral services are never held on a Sunday.
Can Anyone Go to a Mormon Funeral?
You may have heard that only members of the church can enter a Mormon Temple and wonder if you’ll even be allowed to attend the funeral as an outsider.
While it is true that only endowed members of the church, meaning those who have gone through a sacred ceremony and process, are allowed in the temple. However, the temple is distinct from the chapel or meetinghouse where Sunday services and funerals are held.
Funerals are community events that are welcome to the public. You are welcome and encouraged to come pay your respects regardless of your faith and background.
What to Wear to an LDS Funeral
Dress code is something that frequently makes people nervous about attending a funeral. If you’re not familiar with the rules of a particular faith, it can be even harder to decide what to wear. Do you have to dress in black? How formal is too formal? Can women wear pants at a Mormon funeral? Do men need to wear a suit and tie?
If you haven’t heard otherwise, it’s generally best to dress conservatively for a funeral. A dark-colored mid-length dress with covered shoulders should be sufficient for women. But if you’re more comfortable wearing dress pans or trousers, that’s fine. A shirt and tie with slacks is the standard for men. Don’t get too hung up on the specifics. The family will care about your being there offering support more than whatever you’re wearing.
Horan & McConaty has served Denver area families and their diverse traditions for generations. If you have questions about what to expect at a funeral, or need to arrange services for a loved one, reach out to our team any time at
(303) 745-4418.
