To Pray or not to Pray.....that is the question!

Whenever I take a ceremony - whether that be a Funeral , Vow Renewal, Baby Naming or a Wedding - I'm not cloaked or gowned in anything that resembles a religious institution.  In fact you'll probably find me in a black, grey or purple co-ordinated outfit!

So normally, people who are in the audience are a little curious as to who and what I am.   Straight away, they believe I must be an Humanist.  Because that's the language that's been around for some time.  You either believe in religion - or you don't. 

And if you don't, then you're a Humanist, Atheist or whatever label you choose to give it!

I describe the role of a Civil Celebrant as someone who's 'Middle of the Road'.  Which to me, means that the world isn't so black and white as we'd like to imagine.  Religious or not - how about "I don't know!"

So people who book and commission me to lead a ceremony for them, know that they are completely free to include any aspect of religion or spirituality into their celebration.  They use me because they don't want the ceremony to be led by religious beliefs or by an individual espousing what should be happening in life. 

To Pray or not to Pray - that is the question!

And if you decide to pray, sing a hymn, or have a religious reading, then make sure you don't book a Humanist to lead the ceremony for you.  It's simply not possible because of the belief systems of that ideology.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty clear which option gives me most flexibility!

xCarole