Ceremonies

Why did the BHA begin to offer humanist ceremonies to the public and why have these ceremonies become so popular? They were offered to fill an unfortunate gap. It is because of this gap that many people have sat through ceremonies, for their family members or friends, which have seemed quite inappropriate.

A large percentage of our population began to question the relevance to them of our traditional rites of passage. when people are not religious, a religious welcome into the world, a religious marriage, or religious funeral ceremony can cast a shadow over an important occasion. Many people wanted something that was more meaningful to them.

The humanist ceremony is in no way anti-religious but offers an alternative approach. it has Humanist values as its basis. The family and celebrant plan together a ceremony which represents our fellow human beings kindly, sincerely and with all possible understanding. Whether we are celebrating a life that has ended, a life that has just begun or two lives which are being united, we express our love and our warmest wishes. We seek to unite in our joy or to give comfort, to be sensitive and not judgemental.

Humanist ceremonies are all different, each one specifically written to suit the individual, or individuals, and the particular circumstances. Your ceremony is your very own and your celebrant will give you a copy of the script afterwards. These scripts are often treasured as precious historical family documents, documents for the future as well as for today.

So the BHA offers ceremonies because It cares about people and their happiness. It cares about sincerity and offering real support to people who do not feel supported by religion. It has no commercial interest and the celebrants' fees are modest.

The BHA has a national network of men and women who are carefully selected and then given a rigorous training before being accredited to conduct Humanist ceremonies. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds. What they share is an ability to empathise with people, to listen well, to give guidance as needed, and to prepare and take charge of important ceremonies. They are also people who are happy to step back or forward according to a family's wishes; They will do as much or as little as the family requires. They are positive people who will be a reassuring presence and ensure that potentially stressful preparations are made smoothly, calmly and thoughtfully, and that the outcome of these preparations is everything it should be.

Please feel free to contact your nearest celebrant (click here ) if you wish to discuss our ceremonies without commitment, or contact the Administrator