Mors 200 Arts Final - Episcopal Funeral Rites
The Episcopal Church is a traditionally liturgical Christian denomination with roots in the Anglican Church, which separated from the Pope’s authority during the Reformation under King Henry VIII. It retains Catholic sacraments and structure while combining Protestant principles, and was officially established in the U.S. in 1789.
Traditionally liturgical
Roots in Catholic tradition around 314 AD the Anglicans wre separated from the Pope by declaration of King Henry VIII in the 16th century.
Comes from the Greek word episkopos meaning “bishops.”
Both Catholic and Protestant ties. Retain all of the ancient sacraments, creeds, and orders of the Catholic church while rejecting the idea that the Bishop of Rome (Pope) has authority over the Church.
Formed in the United States in 1789
Episcopal Church
Key Terms
Traditionally liturgical
Roots in Catholic tradition around 314 AD the Anglicans wre separated from the Pope by declaration of King Henry VIII in the 16th century.
Comes from the Greek word episkopos meaning “bishops.”
Both Catholic and Protestant ties. Retain all of the ancient sacraments, creeds, and orders of the Catholic church while rejecting the idea that the Bishop of Rome (Pope) has authority over the Church.
Formed in the United States in 1789
Episcopal Church
Not necessary prior to or at the time of death
Generally accepted
Usually appreciated by priests that they know in a timely manner.
Notification of the Clergy
No restrictions of lay members
Restrictions for certain members of the clergy (bishops, priests, or deacons) or different orders.
Removal of the Remains
No guidelines as to the type or amount
Accept interment, entombment and cremation
Embalming may or may not be desired
The preferences of the family determine the extent of this.
Preparation of the Remains
No restrictions as to the type of clothing or casket to be used for lay persons.
Members of clergy or certain orders may prefer the use of their ritual vestments.
The type of casket for a member of the clergy is usually left up to the family.
Dressing and Casketing the Remains
For traditional funeral- customary to hold visitation at the funeral home.
No special equipment is needed for the visitation
Flowers may be displayed during the visitation at the funeral home.
Pre-Service Considerations
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Traditionally liturgical Roots in Catholic tradition around 314 AD the Anglicans wre separated from the Pope by declaration of King Henry VIII in the 16th century. Comes from the Greek word episkopos meaning “bishops.” Both Catholic and Protestant ties. Retain all of the ancient sacraments, creeds, and orders of the Catholic church while rejecting the idea that the Bishop of Rome (Pope) has authority over the Church. Formed in the United States in 1789 | Episcopal Church |
Not necessary prior to or at the time of death Generally accepted Usually appreciated by priests that they know in a timely manner. | Notification of the Clergy |
No restrictions of lay members Restrictions for certain members of the clergy (bishops, priests, or deacons) or different orders. | Removal of the Remains |
No guidelines as to the type or amount Accept interment, entombment and cremation Embalming may or may not be desired The preferences of the family determine the extent of this. | Preparation of the Remains |
No restrictions as to the type of clothing or casket to be used for lay persons. Members of clergy or certain orders may prefer the use of their ritual vestments. The type of casket for a member of the clergy is usually left up to the family. | Dressing and Casketing the Remains |
For traditional funeral- customary to hold visitation at the funeral home. No special equipment is needed for the visitation Flowers may be displayed during the visitation at the funeral home. | Pre-Service Considerations |
Held at church Flowers Processional Book of common prayer Holy communion Sermon Hymns Recessional Differences for cremation | The Funeral Service |
It is strongly encouraged that the funeral service will be here. | Church |
Generally not displayed when the funeral is held in the church. | Flowers |
Pall covered casket Led into church by the crucifer followed by Bishop or priest Casketbearers Casket Family | Processional |
The order of worship will be found here since the Episcopal Church is classified as a liturgical protestant church. | Book of Common Prayer |
Prior to the funeral service or part of the service Provides the observers with an opportunity to thank God for all of his blessings as well as to pray for the soul of the deceased. | Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) |
Focus is to teach the church’s beliefs concerning death. Basis of the belief is centers around the view that death is the beginning of a new life, re-united with God. No eulogy is usually given as it is considered the “prerogative of God to judge and commend.” | Sermon |
Commonly practiced with the congregation singing songs dealing with the Resurrection and God the Son’s victory over sin and death. | Use of Hymns |
At the conclusion of teh funeral service The pall is removed prior to being placed back in the funeral coach. Placement of flowers or the American flag on the casket may occur at this point if so desired by the family. | Recessional |
If this occurs after the funeral service, the services will generally remain unchanged with the exception of the committal service (at church at the end of the funeral) and there may be no recessional. If no service beforehand, the use of a Memorial service instead of the traditional funeral service may occur. | Differences with Cremation |
Interment or Entombment- may be held at the cemetery or mausoleum. Composed of prayer, a short scripture reading and the symbolic committal of the casketed remains to the final resting place. Priest will often use sand or flower petals to make the sign of the cross on the closed casket. | The Committal Service |