Latter-Day Saints Traditions
Funeral Traditions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe that their spirits are divine and will live on eternally after death. While death separates the spirit from the physical body, their teaching believes that at the Resurrection, the body and spirit are united again once and for all. Their belief in this reunion gives them hope even in the face of grief and pain.
The funeral ceremony for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a reverent and celebratory event. Typically, the family will gather in one of the rooms of their local church building for a visitation prior to moving into the chapel for the funeral ceremony. The funeral is a church service, often led by a bishop or a member of the bishopric. During this time, the family comes together to honor their loved one through hymns, prayers and several talks centered around the life of the deceased and the eternal nature of families.
Serving Latter-day Saint Families with Care
O'Connor Mortuary has cared for people from different cultures and religions since 1898. In that time, we’ve coordinated many services for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We assist members of the church in every aspect of the funeral ceremony including helping families to participate in the temple dressing of their loved one in our mortuary facility. Our friendly, experienced staff can help you create a funeral ceremony that honors your beliefs and pays a beautiful tribute to the life of your loved one.
Here to Help With Latter-day Saint Funeral Questions
Have questions about funeral services for a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? You’re not alone. Please see some of the most common questions we receive most often from families below. It is our priority to provide you with answers and peace-of-mind.
01. What type of ceremony options do I have for the funeral of my loved one?
Our mortuary is committed to honoring cultural and religious traditions to help your family create the ceremony that would best honor your loved one’s life. Whether your family wants a visitation, funeral service or graveside dedication, our staff will be available to help make the appropriate selections and care for the details.
02. What are appropriate traditions and customs for a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the United States?
Generally, the funeral service is held within one week of a death. Most families chose to have a private visitation at the local church of the family prior to moving into the chapel for the funeral service, which is open to the public. The service is typically 60-90 minutes in length where the life of the deceased is both remembered and celebrated. Although members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ, it is important to note that a cross or crucifix is not used during the funeral service nor seen on any part of the church buildings. The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes what happened on the cross, but this message and meaning is within each of the members of the church and requires no external symbol to manifest their faith.
If you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, you can still plan to attend the funeral and fully participate in the service. Modest, business-formal attire is appropriate-this may be a suit and tie for men and a dress or skirt for women. Guests may attend the graveside dedication following the funeral service, depending on the wishes of the family. It is acceptable to offer the family condolences before and after the funeral.