Beliefs About Death

Mormons believe that the loss of a loved one is an occasion for mourning, but also an occasion for hope, a birth into the next life, to eternal life with God in the Celestial Kingdom (Mormons believe there are three degrees of glory in the afterlife - the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial). Sorrow and hope, not despair and depression, appropriately mark the grieving of their faithful. Grief and love are compatible - if not essential - emotions of the faithful.

Mormons believe that at death the spirit and body separate. Whether the departed was good or evil, their spirit is taken home to that God. The book of Mormon describes how the spirits of the righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow" (Alma 40:12). In contrast, the wicked, who "chose evil works rather than good," suffer fear of the wrath of God (Alma 40:13). Both those who reside in paradise and those in the spirit prison await the resurrection and the judgment of God. They believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mortals will be resurrected irrespective of personal righteousness.

Funeral Service

Latter Day Saint funerals are solemn and grieving occasions but also project a spirit of hope based on anticipation of reunion with the deceased after this life. They are usually held in an LDS chapel or a mortuary under the direction of the bishop of the ward. Funerals open and close with sacred music and prayer, sometimes involving congregational singing or a choir. The funeral includes reminiscences and eulogies as well as talks about the Atonement, the Resurrection, life after death, and related doctrines that comfort and inspire the bereaved. Some families choose to have members or friends of the family talk about the life of the deceased or sing an appropriate hymn. It is customary for a church member to begin the service with a prayer on behalf of the family.

Graveside Services

Following the funeral, a simple graveside dedication service is held - attended only by family and intimate friends. One who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood (given authority, responsibility, and power by the Church of LDS to act in the name of Jesus Christ), usually a member or close friend of the family, dedicates the grave asking God to protect it as a hollowed resting place until the resurrection. Local law in some countries may dictate cremation rather than burial, but in the absence of such a law, burial is preferred because of its doctrinal symbolism. Ultimately, however, the decision is left to the family of the deceased. Circumstances also may dictate a memorial service or a graveside service only. Bishops are counseled to show regard for family wishes in keeping with the spiritual and reverent nature of the occasion.

Burial of the body usually follows a funeral or graveside service. The body of a deceased member of the Church who has received the temple Endowment (and the ceremony is taking place at an LDS temple) should be dressed in temple clothing. Relief Society sisters dress deceased women, and priesthood brethren dress the men. When it is not possible to clothe the body, temple clothing may be laid over it.

A member of the bishopric typically presides at the burial where a simple, earnest prayer is offered to dedicate the grave. This prayer may include a dedication of the grave as a sacred resting - place until the resurrection if the person giving the prayer holds the Melchizedek Priesthood and has been asked to give such a dedication. The gravesite often becomes a sacred spot for the family of the deceased to visit and care for.

References:

Packer, Boyd K. "Funerals - A Time for Reverence." Ensign 18 (Nov. 1988): 18-21.
Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, 1985.
www.mormons.org/daily/health/Burial_EOM.htm
www.mormons.org/basic/afterlife/death_dying_eom.htm