Anglican Funerals in Canada — Traditions, Service Structure, and Planning
Anglican funerals in Canada draw on a centuries-old liturgical tradition that has been adapted into modern Canadian practice. The funeral liturgies come from the two worship books authorized by the General Synod — the Book of Alternative Services (1985), now the primary worship text, and the Book of Common Prayer (1962).[2] For Anglican families planning a funeral, the parish priest is the central guide; for non-Anglican attendees, understanding the service structure helps you participate meaningfully.
Service structure (BAS, most common)
A standard Anglican funeral following the Book of Alternative Services includes:[2]
- Opening sentences and procession — biblical sentences read as the casket enters, often with a hymn
- Opening prayer — the Collect for the deceased
- Scripture readings — typically Old Testament passage, a Psalm, an Epistle, and a Gospel
- Homily — the priest's reflection on the readings and the life of the deceased
- Apostles' Creed — congregational affirmation of faith
- Prayers of the People — intercessions for the deceased, family, and broader concerns
- Commendation — the formal entrusting of the deceased to God's care
- Committal — at the graveside or crematorium, the final words of the burial liturgy
The service runs 45-75 minutes depending on choices. A reception in the parish hall typically follows.
Music conventions
Traditional Anglican funeral music includes congregational hymns from the church's hymn book. The organist plays prelude and postlude (gathering and departure music) plus accompanies hymns. Some funerals include a soloist or choir for specific pieces. Common hymns:
- "Abide With Me"
- "The Lord's My Shepherd" (Crimond setting often)
- "Be Thou My Vision"
- "Amazing Grace"
- "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
- "For All the Saints"
If the deceased had specific musical interests, the parish music director can often accommodate additional selections.
Burial vs. cremation
The Anglican Church of Canada accepts both.[1] Cremation has become common practice in many Canadian Anglican congregations over the past several decades. The committal liturgy adapts for either — committing the body to the earth (burial) or committing the ashes (interment, columbarium, or scattering depending on family choice).
Practical planning
For an Anglican funeral:
- Contact the parish priest (typically the priest where the deceased was a member; or the family's parish if different)
- Discuss timing and venue (usually the parish church)
- Choose hymns and readings with the priest's input
- Coordinate with funeral home for body care and transport
- Plan reception (often hosted by parish hall with congregation hospitality team)
- Communicate service details to the broader family and friends
The parish priest typically guides families through these decisions; first-time funeral arrangers don't need to know everything in advance.
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures religious tradition preferences alongside other funeral wishes. For Anglican families, documenting parish, liturgy preference (BAS vs. BCP), preferred hymns, and pastoral wishes gives the family clear direction.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Anglican Church of Canada — Anglican Church of Canada
- [2]Liturgical Texts — Book of Alternative Services (1985) and Book of Common Prayer (1962), including the burial offices — Anglican Church of Canada
Frequently asked questions
BAS or BCP — which liturgy?
Most modern Anglican parishes in Canada use the Book of Alternative Services (BAS, 1985). Some parishes (particularly Anglo-Catholic or traditionalist) use the Book of Common Prayer (BCP, 1962) for funerals. The priest celebrates the service in either case; the family can request a preference. The BAS has more contemporary language; the BCP has the traditional Elizabethan-era English.
Burial or cremation?
The Anglican Church of Canada accepts both. Burial has traditionally been the dominant practice; cremation has become widely accepted in recent decades. The liturgy works for either — the committal portion is adapted depending on whether the body is being buried or the ashes are being committed. Cremated remains are typically interred or kept in a columbarium rather than scattered (though scattering is acceptable in most parishes).
What is the role of the parish priest?
The parish priest leads the service, delivers the homily, and provides pastoral care to the family. They coordinate with the funeral home for logistics, with the family for service choices (hymns, readings, special elements), and with the church for venue arrangements. The priest's involvement is included in church arrangements; there's typically no separate fee for the priest's service (though gratuities are appreciated).
What hymns are common at Anglican funerals?
Traditional choices include 'Abide With Me,' 'The Lord's My Shepherd,' 'Be Thou My Vision,' 'Amazing Grace,' 'Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,' 'For All the Saints,' 'O God, Our Help in Ages Past,' 'Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven.' The parish organist or music director can suggest from the church's hymn book.
Can non-Anglicans attend or read?
Yes — Anglican funerals are open to all attendees regardless of religious affiliation. Non-Anglican family members can read scripture or other passages. Communion (the Eucharist), if included in the service, is typically open to all baptized Christians.
What does it cost?
Anglican parishes typically charge a modest fee for use of the church and basic service (often $200-$800 depending on parish). Funeral home services are separate. Music (organist, soloist) may be additional. Total Anglican funeral cost (combining church, funeral home, and burial/cremation) is comparable to other Canadian Christian funerals — generally $5,000-$15,000 depending on choices.