15. The Organisation of Death
The organisation of death in the Nordic countries – that is, the departing of the deceased as well as the disposing of the dead bodies – is still to a high degree a matter for the majority churches.
They conduct a significant proportion of funeral ceremonies and to a large extent administer cemeteries and crematoria. However, funeral ceremonies by others than the majority churches, or burials without any (known) funeral ceremony, are increasing. We also see changes in options for disposing of human remains other than traditional graves.
These changes and transformations at play are related to processes of individualization and secularisation, but also due to migrations, changes in laws and environmental concerns. The organisation of death is therefore an interesting area within which to explore how religious transformations also can challenge religious organisation.
In this session we welcome papers on contemporary organisation of death in relation to majority churches, religious minorities, and the secular area.
Session chairperson
Karin Jarnkvist, Ida Marie Hoeg & Martha Middlemiss Lé Mon
Contact
Karin Jarnkvist
karin.jarnkvist@miun.se