A non-religious ceremony, be it a baby naming, a wedding or a funeral, can bring about inclusivity and representation.
Wordways recently conducted a nonreligious Celebration of Life Ceremony for a woman who came from a Portuguese background. She was married to a Tswana man. Her teenage niece and nephew took part in the readings. Two of the eulogies were delivered by a Muslim woman and a Zulu colleague.
The focus was on telling the story of her life and the impact she had had on all the many, many people with whom she had engaged. This lead to the tapestry of South Africa’s diverse faiths, beliefs, and ethnicities being woven into a truly meaningful celebration of a remarkable woman.
LGBTQ+ inclusivity
A non-religious officiant embraces the full spectrum of human experience in our rites of passage. We create ceremonies that use inclusive language and which avoid gendered assumptions regarding roles and relationships.
Many LGBTQ+ individuals still feel marginalised or misunderstood when it comes to milestone events like weddings, funerals or coming-of-age ceremonies.
However, the way a celebrant works with bereaved families, new parents or couples wanting to be married shows that inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword. It is the thread that binds us together. Inclusivity weaves a future where every South African can find their place, not despite their differences, but because of them.
Focus on values and ethics
A non-religious celebrant is able to emphasise shared values like commitment, respect, and partnership as the foundation of the ceremony.
Shifts in ceremonies and rituals
People are moving away from established ceremonies, which might be rooted in colonial or patriarchal structures. Such ceremonies can feel exclusionary for many South Africans.
The statistics tell the story:
- 16% of South Africans don’t identify with any particular religion (Pew Research Centre, 2010).
- A 2018 survey by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation found that 42% prefer non-religious ceremonies for major life events.
Enter the celebrants. We are trained professionals crafting personalised, bespoke ceremonies that resonate with each individual or family. They draw from diverse traditions and philosophies, creating rituals that celebrate unique beliefs and values. It’s not about replacing hymns with kwaito beats; it’s about acknowledging the inherent value and wisdom in every facet of South African identity.
Choice creates inclusivity
Statistics can tell a story, but it’s the personal anecdotes, the quiet tears of joy, and the shared laughter that truly showcase the power of inclusivity.
The power of non-religious ceremonies lies in creating safe spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and celebrated, regardless of their beliefs or orientation.
This isn’t to say religious ceremonies are outdated. Faith remains a pillar for many. But the rise of non-religious ceremonies signifies a crucial shift – a recognition that South Africa’s cultural fabric is too rich, too intricate, to be confined by established denominations.
Wordways Ceremonies offers a variety of non-religious ceremonies. Get in touch with Vanessa today to discuss your needs.