Bishop, John

Background and Experience

I trained as a celebrant in November 2007, and was registered in June 2008 following a period of mentoring and observation. I have conducted numerous funerals, both small and large. I have been conducting weddings, and other non-legal ceremonies, since April 2009 and I have undertaken 3 Naming ceremonies. In April 2010 I took on the responsibilities of Secretary to to the Humanist Society of Scotland; until I have a a better idea of the the demands from this post I have reduced the time that I can be available to conduct funerals.

I was interested in celebrancy work because there is a clear need for people to have access to a ceremony that reflects the beliefs and preferences of those who want to marry, want to name their children or bury a friend or a member of their family. Humanist funeral celebrations can provide an important choice. Naming and Wedding ceremonies also provide important choices, as well as providing a focus on the human beings for whom and around whom the ceremonies are designed. The growth in the demand for Humanist Ceremonies reflects the growing unease that many (including ministers of religion) have for a religious service when there is no religious belief or practice among those who celebrate the birth of a child, a life, or a wedding. I am a Bishop by name, but not by vocation!!

I am a keen cyclist and user of public transport, and prefer to use these means to travel to ceremonies! Do not be surprised if I turn up in luminous clothing.

What humanism means to me

Humanism, for me, is about seeking to honour and respect the lives and beliefs of people, for their intrinsic worth. Society functions because as humans we make it work (or sometimes, as the case maybe, not). We are all responsible and need to nurture that responsibility and reflect on it, with others.

I am very clear that humanism offers a sound ethical base in a complex world. A secular society, tolerant of, but not dominated by religious views, is the kind of world I seek to inhabit.

My approach to funerals

In life we cherish our individuality; and the rich variety of our beliefs, activities and living patterns. Funerals can, and should, seek to reflect that individuality.

As a funeral celebrant I am primarily responsible for developing a ceremony that respects the individual who has died, warts and all, as we sometimes say. The involvement of family and friends in the preparation of a tribute, and in the ceremony is a key part of that work. Sometimes the involvement of family and friends, in an active way, can help communication at a time when communication can be very important.

I welcome the chance to share the tribute with family and friends before the funeral. Some welcome this approach; others prefer to leave the choice of words to me. The choice is yours.

Funeral poetry

Poetry can sometimes give voice to a thought or feeling that would otherwise be lost. So poems or prose, or words pulled together by family or friends, have an important place in the ceremony. I can offer suggestions of words used by other celebrants with the Humanist Society. You may choose (and read) your own.

Something amusing, something sad can often be reflected in poetry or prose.

Funeral music

If music be the food of love, then music has a very important place at a funeral. Love is often a central theme in a funeral ceremony: what better way to express that love than in music. Music is a very individual choice, and can be very personal.

Often you will be able to choose up to three pieces. At the start of the ceremony some people choose the “favourite” music of the person who has died. There is a period of quiet reflection towards the end of the ceremony where quieter, and more thoughtful, music can be helpful. An uplifting tune at the end of the ceremony is often chosen.

The music can come from a CD, or – in some instances- live. Often there is an organist available, or a piper or a family member or friend with a musical instrument.

What people have said about my ceremonies

The feedback, so far!

“You really reflected our feelings about Dad. Mum was very touched.”

“My family would like to thank you for preparing this tribute in such a caring and sensitive manner. “

“We will be seeing more of you, I hope” the Superintendent of a Crematorium whose chapel was filled by 200 young people who applauded aloud one of the people reading a tribute to their dead friend.

“Thank you very much for your help and uplifting service. I feel many of us
learned from the humanist ceremony.

“I would like to thank you for the moving service. All our family and friends felt it was a true tribute and celebration of his life.”

My approach to Weddings

Two people making a commitment to one another can be a profound event. To share that commitment and celebrate it with others, such as family and friends, is one of the more enduring and memorable experiences in life. A wedding brings together emotions, ideas and (hopefully) fun and laughter. Celebrants are there to help create and support a ceremony that draws out some of the character of those involved, and reflects their preferences and wishes. Where the ceremony takes place and how it unfolds are, very largely, personal choices for those involved – provided the ceremony meets the secular, ethical ethos of the Humanist Society, and the requirements of the law.

My approach to non-legal weddings would be similar; only the last 6 words of the last paragraph would be omitted!!

 Some feedback on weddings in 2009

 “The ceremony was totally perfect.  We've had so many comments from family and friends about the ceremony and that it completely reflected us.  Thank you so much for the day and for guiding us so expertly with the ceremony.”

 “Quite amazing the amount of people that approached us on the day and commented that it was one of the best weddings with one of the nicest ceremonies they had ever been to so our thanks to you for being a part of all this and making it happen. [Name] commented that it was one of the most beautiful, emotional and touching ceremonies she had been invited to.”