The various rites set out in this book are not designed to be followed slavishly. Every death is different. Within an overall framework which expresses the church's faith and endeavours to relate that faith to a particular death, there are a variety of rituals which can be chosen and of prayers which can be used.
The central core of the rites offered is the Service in Church. This follows the traditional structure of an office with psalmody, scripture reading and prayer. Where appropriate this can be adapted to become the Liturgy of the Word preceding a celebration of Holy Communion.
In addition to the Funeral Service itself a number of subsidiary rites are provided for occasions which may require some formal liturgical expression. These are:
- during a visit immediately after a bereavement,
- at the closing of the coffin,
- as the funeral sets out from the house,
- at the interment of ashes.
Authorised for experimental use under Canon XXII.4 on behalf of the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
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