Atheist Ceremonies
It is natural to want to celebrate the most important events in life with a special ceremony, usually involving speech, poetry, music, song, feasting and dancing. People have always needed to mark the important times in their lives, and to commemorate the lives of people when they die.
Public celebrations of “rites of passage” are different from ordinary parties, which we often hold for events like birthdays, anniversaries or graduations – they are more focused and formal, and we usually use special language, music and places. Atheists like to celebrate too, but prefer to do so in non-religious ceremonies, where they will not find themselves saying things they do not believe.
There are no special rules or observances that non-religious people have to keep: they are not obliged to attend any kind of service, or have any ceremony beyond basic legal requirements, but there are Atheist ceremonies for those who would like to mark special occasions. They are always created for the people involved, so each one is unique and personal.
Sometimes families of mixed religious beliefs can choose an Atheist ceremony because they can all agree on the non-religious, personal content.
Currently we have no ceremonial Officiants.AAU is welcoming members who would like to train as Atheist officiants. Please do feel free to contact us.
The Atheist Weddings/Affirmations
Whether planning a formal or any other wedding, affirmation or something less conventional it is important that the marrying couple really enjoy it.Their wedding/affirmation should be exactly where, when and how they want it to be.
A traditional church ceremony,with ritual and religious words does not fit with everyone’s outlook on life or hopes for the future.
The laws governing Register Office ceremonies strictly control what can be said or done.These ceremonies are designed around a standard framework. It is not currently possible to be legally married out of doors and there are limitations on time, place and content of ceremonies.
An Atheist wedding/affirmation can take place anywhere and be designed to suit the individuals.It may be as dignified and serious as a church or any religious wedding,but with the religious element replaced by words and music that have real meaning for the couple.
They can be as romantic and creative in designing their ceremony as they wish. Atheist ceremonies have been held in gardens, marquees, on boats,in castles,on beaches.
Many couples choose to stand facing their guests,for a more open and inclusive feeling. Couples with children can make them be a part of the ceremony.No two ceremonies are the same,they can be as traditional or as unusual as suits the people marrying.
Currently we have no Officiants.AAU is welcoming members who would like to train as Atheist officiants. Please do feel free to contact us.
Legalities
Couples regard the Atheist ceremony as that which truly makes them husband and wife.It is the real celebration, expressing the deepest feeling in the company of all family and friends.
However it does not form a marriage contract in the legal sense. Most couples therefore also attend a Register Office, sometimes a day or two before the Atheist ceremony, to deal with the legal formalities and obtain a civil marriage certificate. It is not necessary to exchange rings at the Register Office.
Atheist Baby Naming
For a personal, unique and beautiful welcome for your child,the We can help.
Many parents ask for help in arranging a special ceremony to welcome their new child. In Eastafrica the number of christenings is steadily falling as people seek a more inclusive way of marking this happy event.In most cases,this event is only observed by family members.
Most parents choose to hold the ceremony at the start of a celebratory party,either in their home or at a special venue. The formal ceremony can be as long or short as desired, they usually last about 20 minutes.
Parents may state their love for and commitment to their child, and their hopes for their future welfare and happiness. They may include poetry or prose readings and music.
Instead of godparents, people choose relatives or friends to become ‘guide parents’, ’supporting adults’, ‘mentors’ or ’special friends’. They can join in the ceremony, saying how they will be there for the child as he or she grows up.
There are many ways to make the ceremony unique and truly memorable. The occasion can be marked with a book for everyone present to write a special message for the child to read in later years. A tree may be planted to grow along with the child. Brothers and sisters can join in the ceremony and other relatives and friends may wish to contribute too.
Older children have usually grown into their names. In their case, the focus of the ceremony could be a special welcome to the family and an expression of love,rather than a formal naming.
Currently we have no Officiants.AAU is welcoming members who would like to train as Atheist officiants. Please do feel free to contact us.
In times of Death:
The AAU offers a personal and dignified funeral ceremony for those who have chosen to live without religion
The Death of Someone Close To You
The death of a close relative or friend may be a bitter experience for many of us.Although we may sense that time will eventually soothe our grief,the feeling of shock and loss is very real.
A funeral should help family and friends express and share their sadness.It may be the last opportunity to be together to focus their thoughts on the person who has died. The ceremony deserves to be remembered as an occasion that uniquely and affectionately honoured that person’s life. It should capture the essence of his or her personality.
The funeral director will deal with all practical arrangements, but it is up to you to say what kind of funeral ceremony you want.
Why Choose A Non-Religious Funeral
While churchgoers and others committed to a religious faith usually want a minister to officiate, there is a growing number of people for whom religion is unimportant, or who have made a clear decision to live their lives without it.
For them a religious funeral service may seem insincere and bring little comfort.It may not feel the right way to say farewell to someone who did not accept the religious view of life and death. An Atheist ceremony has more warmth and meaning for these people.
AAU Funeral Officiants
Atheist officiants are men and women familiar with the procedures of cremation and burial who can empathise with the experience of bereavement. They are sensitive to the family’s wishes yet ready to give clear guidance when needed. They are able to prepare and take charge of a solemn occasion.
Whatever the circumstances of life and death, officiants are not there to moralise or judge – but to understand. They will help to plan a personal and dignified funeral ceremony,and conduct it on the day.
The Ceremony
When planning a funeral the officiant will speak to the family and ideally, meet them and others affected by the death. It is helpful for the officiant to learn as much as possible about the person who has died, so that the funeral tribute really captures their life and personality.
Music can speak directly to the emotions and is often a poignant way of reflecting the personality of the one who has died. Usually an organist is available and most crematoria have facilities for playing cassettes or CDs.
Concern for Others
The kind of funeral ceremony chosen must be right and appropriate for the person who has died and their close family. Nothing in an Atheist ceremony would offend people who may be uneasy about a non-religious funeral. The idea is not to be hostile to religious beliefs, but to focus in a sincere way on the reality of the life that has ended. Most officiants will include in the ceremony a short period for quiet reflection.
People often tell us how moving, sincere and fitting they found an Atheist ceremony.For the immediate family and close friends it is a comfort to have provided a ceremony that their loved one would have wanted.
Currently we have no Officiants.AAU is welcoming members who would like to train as Atheist officiants. Please do feel free to contact us.
