Questions and answers

The Open Episcopal Church was formed in England at the turn of this century, and traces its bishops through the Old Catholic tradition. That tradition began in Utrecht, where the Church kept its own bishops, independent of Rome, from the 1720s. It grew after 1870 among Catholics who could not accept the new doctrine of papal infallibility, and came to England in 1908.

Our clergy are ordained in that unbroken line of apostolic succession, and the rites we keep are the historic rites of the Church. A baptism, a Mass or a marriage here is the same sacrament it has always been. What the Open Episcopal Church adds is its welcome: it was the first church in Britain to consecrate a woman as bishop, and the first to offer religious marriage ceremonies to same-sex couples, and it offers the sacraments to all.

A baptism is the Christian sacrament of welcome, with water. A thanksgiving gives thanks to God for a child, with prayers and a blessing but no water. A naming is a non-religious ceremony in which the child is named and parents and guide parents make their promises.

Yes. Baptism is for people of any age.

That is for you to decide: as many or as few as you wish.

Yes. Please call as soon as you can, and we will come as quickly as we are able.

Because what matters most on the day is care. A Celebrancy ceremony is yours: it says what you want said and nothing you do not. What a priest brings is the habit of listening, and of standing beside people at the moments that matter most.

Yes. Many families want something in between: a single prayer or hymn in an otherwise non-religious ceremony, or a Christian rite with readings of your own choosing. We will shape it with you.

Whatever you would like. It is your day.

Yes, and we encourage it. Friends and family can give readings, share memories or take part in a symbolic moment. If you would like help with your vows, we can write them with you.

Yes. A celebration of life has no religious content unless you ask for it. It is about the person, told truthfully and with warmth.

No. You do not need to share our faith, join the parish or attend services.

Everything from our first conversation to the day itself, and beyond:

• a first meeting, in person, by phone or by video call
• meetings and calls as often as you need them
• drafts of the ceremony, revised until it is right
• a rehearsal, if you want one
• the ceremony itself
• ongoing pastoral care

Yes. Whatever the occasion, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. We can take the weight off by writing readings, vows, eulogies and tributes to suit the moment and the person behind it, refined with you until they sound like you.

For weddings and namings, as early as you can, so that we have time to get to know you.

London, Surrey and Sussex, and further by arrangement.

Yes, gladly. Everyone is welcome.

Yes, of course.

Gladly. It is a humbling thing to be asked, and we will shape a ceremony that honours you both.

Not on its own. Outside the Church of England, a marriage in England becomes legal only before a registrar or an authorised person. Most couples complete the short legal formalities at the register office, then hold their wedding ceremony with us, on the same day or later. GOV.UK explains how to give notice, what you will need and what it costs.

Almost anywhere you like: a garden, a hall, a hillside, a hotel, your own home. Because our ceremony is not the legal part, it does not need a licensed venue, only the permission of whoever owns the place.

We will get back to you as soon as possible. If it is urgent, please do not hesitate to call. We work to your funeral director's timetable.

Either. You can ask your funeral director for us by name, or contact us directly and we will work with your funeral director from there.

Of course. Some families want to speak, some would rather we spoke for them, and many choose a mixture. We will help with the words either way.

Yes. A memorial can be held at any time, anywhere, with or without the ashes present, and can include laying the ashes to rest or scattering them.

Usually between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the ceremony and what goes into it. We will agree a rough length together beforehand. We cannot promise an exact time, because others may speak, some songs run longer than others, and life has its hiccups. Whatever happens on the day, nothing will feel rushed, and nothing that matters will be cut short.

For a Christian rite, the priest usually wears traditional vestments: an alb and stole, with a chasuble for a Mass. For a Celebrancy ceremony, usually clerical dress or a plain suit. Either way, it is up to you.

Of course. If you are happy to share one or two afterwards, we would be glad to keep them, with your permission, for the parish gallery.

No. Every birth in England must be registered with the register office within 42 days, whatever ceremony follows.

On the extremely rare occasion that the officiant is suddenly indisposed, through illness or any incident beyond their control, any expenses incurred will be waived, and we will do our best to work with you to find a suitable replacement.

Anyone who needs it. You do not need to belong to the parish, or to any faith. It is confidential, unless someone may be at risk of harm.

The sacraments were never made to be sold. Sancta Humanitas is a small charitable parish, and our ministry is itself an act of charity, sustained only by what people choose to give.

Some ceremonies do carry real expenses, such as travel or printed orders of service. These are the only costs we ever ask you to cover, and every penny goes to meeting them. We talk them through together at our first meeting, which is always free and without obligation, and nothing is set in place until you are happy with the plan and we have agreed to go ahead. If costs are a worry, please do not hesitate to speak to us, in confidence.

All costs incurred for the funeral of a child are waived.

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.Kahlil Gibran

Every gift is voluntary. Anything given beyond the costs of a ceremony goes to the upkeep of the parish and its works: our pastoral care, and ceremonies for those who cannot pay.

If you would like to support the parish, donations can be made through our parish priest, by post, or by bank transfer. Contact us for details.