Rites of Passage

Rites of Passage in the Unitarian Universalist tradition can be acknowledged and celebrated in a variety of ways. Examples of services which may be considered for a rite of passage ceremony include:

• a rededication of a marriage;
• a blessing of a same-sex union or friendship;
• a ceremony to mark a separation when two people decide to part amicably;
• a ceremony to mark a birth, adoption, or dedication of a child;
• a memorial or and other ceremonies to mark the death of an individual.

In all these situations Unitarian Universalist practice starts from human needs rather than fixed religious ideas. The ceremonies which result are often, in their preparation and enactment, deeply spiritual and memorable, being firmly based on the integrity and compassion of the minister and the deep needs of those for whom the service is conducted.

If you are interested in having a conversation about a rite of passage ceremony, please contact Rev. Millie Rochester or a Lay Chaplain to discuss your options. Below are a few reflections on considerations for various rites of passage.

Birth and Adoption

A ceremony to celebrate the birth or adoption of a child may be called a Welcoming, a Naming, a Dedication, a Blessing, a Thanksgiving, or, more traditionally, a Baptism or Christening. Accordingly, the form and content will differ - e.g. water may or may not be used. The ceremony may take place in a Unitarian place of worship or the home if this is more appropriate to those involved.

Marriage

The form and content of Wedding or Marriage services are usually arrived at by the minister working together with the couple concerned according to the couple's needs and wishes, though here there are a few legal requirements. Where the law allows (as in Scotland and Northern Ireland), the service may take place somewhere other than in a place of worship. Similarly, a religious blessing of a civil marriage ceremony may take place anywhere. Unitarian ministers regularly conduct Marriage ceremonies where one or both of the parties are divorcees. Unitarians are also virtually unique in devising personalised ceremonies in cases where the couple are from mixed faith backgrounds (e.g. Christian and Jewish) or none.

Death

Whether at a crematorium, place of worship, home or graveside, Unitarian Universalist ministers are concerned primarily with the needs and wishes of the bereaved, and seek to reflect the life and beliefs of the dead person in a personal way.