Jehovah’s Witness Funerals

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses are so called because of their desire to honour Jehovah, the God of the Bible and the Creator of all things, and their aim to help people learn about the Bible and God’s Kingdom. Ethnically diverse and spread around the globe, they are united by common goals. Jehovah’s Witness is a Christian-based faith and their funerals are similar to other Christian faiths.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that death is final; there is no immortal soul that lives on. However, based on Bible scriptures, they believe that there is the potential for resurrection, when death will be no more. So death is a time for sadness, modesty and empathy, not extreme mourning.

The Funderal Service

The Jehovah’s Witness funeral service takes place in their place of worship, Kingdom Hall, or at a crematorium or cemetery. The Congregation Elder gives a talk explaining what the bible says about death and perhaps highlights the good qualities of the person who died. During the service a song based on scriptures may be sung and it may conclude with a comforting prayer.

What to Wear

It is customary to wear sombre clothes in dark colours.

Acceptable Practices

Burial and Cremation are acceptable.

Whilst Jehovah’s Witnesses do not allow blood transfusions, organ donation is acceptable to most as long as all blood is removed from organs and tissues before donation.

For more information, please see:

Jehovah’s Witnesses Organisation