CVUF Lay Chaplains

CVUF Lay Chaplains are appointed by our fellowship and are trained and endorsed by the Canadian Unitarian Council to perform marriage ceremonies, memorial services, and other significant rites of passage. They are licensed to perform marriages by the provincial government. Building on our Unitarian commitment to inclusiveness and our celebration of diversity, our chaplains are dedicated to bringing a sense of the sacred into what are often non-denominational and even secular ceremonies. Based on personal integrity and choice, our chaplains respect and seek to bring into a meaningful ceremony the values, ideals and expectations of the participants. People often choose a Unitarian Lay Chaplain to officiate their ceremonies when their values and beliefs no longer fit with traditional religious perspectives. For example, many same-sex couples, interfaith couples, and previously divorced couples choose us to help them celebrate their weddings. Whose ceremony is it? Our Chaplains recognize that different people have different needs and preferences. They are prepared to tailor the structure and content of a ceremony to meet individual needs. While ceremonies must be consistent with the fundamental values of Unitarianism--It is your ceremony!

What do CVUF Lay Chaplains charge for their services? There are fees for the ceremonies conducted. These are discussed in advance with the Chaplains. A wedding development, rehearsal and service is $200. Fees for other Ceremonies, Rituals and Rites of Passage vary according to the length and planning involved in the service.

Weddings - Marriages

Our Chaplains specialize in performing wedding ceremonies which meet the special needs of the couple. After meeting with the couple, a ceremony is crafted which will be joyful, loving, meaningful and memorable. It may include favourite readings and music or other elements, e.g. a unity candle lighting, flower ceremony, hand-fasting, wine cup ceremony etc. Each service is custom designed in collaboration with those who are directly involved. Special family blessings or family member participation is also encouraged, if desired. On July 8th 2003 British Columbia became the second province to legalize Same-sex Marriage. CVUF Lay Chaplains are delighted to now be legally able to marry Same-sex couples.

Memorial Service - Funerals

Our lay-chaplains have been professionally trained to provide a funeral or memorial service that is an essential step in the grief and healing process following the death of a loved one. We can be an important part of the process of families, friends and community coming together to support each other in their grief, remembering and holding dear those who have died and seeking understanding that can lead to healing. Our Chaplains provide a service that is sensitive to the wishes of all of those involved, while at the same time providing a space to celebrate the life of the deceased in an expression of affirmation of that person's life.

Ceremonies may also include elements which respect the diverse religious beliefs of those attending.

Infant Naming and Child Dedications

This is a celebration of new life and a community ritual around the commitment to the well-being of our children. Participants dedicate themselves to the task of raising a child with love and fairness, and to nurturing a sense of responsibility to themselves and to others. This is a joyful and meaningful ceremony for parents, siblings and other family and friends.

In accordance with the Unitarian Universalist belief that everyone has the right to develop an authentic faith of their own choice, this ceremony is not about binding the child to a particular set of beliefs.

Other Rites of Passage

In our modern world there are significant passages that we travel through barely taking the time to acknowledge the profound spiritual growth that occurs with each one. Our Lay Chaplains can help arrange meaningful services to mark the milestones in our lives.

How to contact our lay-chaplains:

Questions of a more general nature can be directed to the Comox Valley Unitarian Fellowship.