Rites of Passage

Child Blessings and Namings

Unitarians have no required or fixed ceremony to celebrate a new life. It is a personal choice, and as a ceremony it can be called many things. Parents are not expected to make theological declarations, or to commit their child to a particular system of belief, but have the opportunity to introduce their baby or child to their community in their own way. Some parents choose to honour a special friend of relative as a godparent, but this is not a requirement. Regardless of terminology of ceremonial practice, these gatherings are joyful celebrations, which offer new families a space for reflection and wonder.

Weddings
The Meeting House is registered for the celebration of all marriages. Apart from the words required by UK law, Unitarian weddings are unique to every couple, who are invited to be as involved as they wish in the design and wording of their service so that their wedding accurately and honestly reflects their theological beliefs, personal circumstances and aspirations for marriage. Unitarians do not discriminate against people who are divorced, of different faith or none. Our wedding ceremonies celebrate love in all its forms.

Funerals and Memorial Services
We offer funerals and memorial services for those who want a dignified ceremony, which does not impose or assume any particular theological position on the part of the deceased.
Our funeral ceremonies are celebrations of life, and are carefully co-created with family and/or friends to help support their grieving. Services can be held in the Meeting House, a local crematorium or cemetery, or any location precious to the deceased or their loved ones. For more information email. our lay pastor.