Christians believe that the end of this earthly life is the beginning of a glorious new life in Christ. Anglican funerals attempt to balance the grief and bereavement of the living with a celebration of the life of the deceased, and faith in the hope of the resurrection.
The Anglican Church of Canada offers two forms of service. The Book of Common Prayer offers a traditional service. The more contemporary service from the Book of Alternative Services provides more opportunity for involvement by family and friends of the deceased. Both service books assume the presence of the body, and the priest needs to be consulted if the family wishes to exclude the body from the public service.
In special circumstances, Anglican tradition allows for a funeral service apart from the presence of the body. A graveside service or a service in a crematorium may be held in addition to or instead of the funeral service in a church. With cremation becoming more common, the family may request a memorial service without the presence of the body.
Service structure, readings, music, readers, prayer leaders, and the form and content of any eulogy are all arranged with the family.