A funeral is used to mark the end of a person's life here on earth. Family and friends come together to express grief, give thanks for the life lived and commend the person into God's keeping. This can be a small, quiet ceremony or a large occasion in a packed church.

The message at all Church of England funerals, wherever they happen, is one of hope. Although there is sadness because someone you know and love has died, in every funeral there will also be a message of hope in life after death.

We believe that through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is possible we will see that person again. This Christian hope is a fundamental part of a funeral in the Diocese in Europe.

Where possible our clergy and authorised lay ministers will offer pastoral care and practical advice on funerals. However because of the wide diversity of national laws and customs within the diocese, our response will be governed by the proximity of the nearest chaplaincy and the time between a death and the funeral. In some situations, where a funeral has to take place within 48 hours, it may be more appropriate to arrange a memorial service for a later date.

The diverse nature of our diocese means there is no standard fee for funeral services. These might be arranged directly with the church and minister or be included in the funeral director’s accounts.

In the event of a bereavement, please contact someone at your local church or chaplaincy as soon as possible to begin preparations for the funeral.