In a predominantly Catholic and Protestant nation, most funeral homes are only aware of the funerary and burial customs of these religions. While the vast majority of the deceased and surviving families that cross the threshold of your funeral home probably fall under these religions, you may encounter a few others that are not. Death is most definitely a time of emotional sensitivity, and religious sensitivity is a necessity in these cases too. Here is how familiarizing yourself with the funerary practices of other religions can only help your funeral home business.

Islam and Judaism May Be Offended by Lack of Knowledge

On the heels of Christian religions, Islam and Judaism are tight seconds in the United States. Since these two religions also have different sects, you may see the less strict sects asking to hold a wake in your funeral home. The stricter sects tend to hold their funerary services in Mosques and Temples. Still, there are tenets of their faiths that forbid certain funerary practices that are more commonly allowed among the Christian religions (e.g., burials above ground, autopsies, burying the body with all of its organs intact and in their appropriate positions, etc.). Ergo, if you ever have Muslim or Jewish client, you will want to make yourself and all of your staff aware of what these practices are so that your own religious practices do not offend the clients and families you serve.

Cultural Sensitivity Is Deeply Tied to Some Religions

Additionally, cultural sensitivities are tied to some religions. Indians (people from India) integrate their Hindu gods and goddesses in many aspects of their daily lives. You show them respect for their culture as well as their religion when you familiarize yourself with their beliefs. Ergo, with these families and their deceased, it is important to remember that you would not be offending just their religious customs, but their entire way of life. Learning and integrating these customs and funerary practices into your business encourages families of other faiths to consider you for end-of-life services.

Being Able to Offer Families of Non-Christian Faiths Your Funeral Home and Services Sets an Example

Besides offering your funeral home and services to families of non-Christian religions, who probably really appreciate your and your staff's sensitivity, you are setting a good example for your competition. Once other funeral homes see that the services and practices offered by your funeral parlor are much more than honoring Christian dead, they may be willing to learn and open their doors up as well. Regardless of the religion a family practices, death and grief are the same, and everyone just wants respect and comfort in the end.

For more more information about funeral home practices, contact a company like Danks-Hinski Funeral Home.