Tricky situation so feedback accepted. My father in law is very elderly and will not be around for long. My husband is his only living relative and like me is a firm atheist. Pappy is a vague Protestant, C of E, and is expecting a church funeral. Should we acquiesce ? After all, what will he know ? He has no one else that will be at the funeral other than us.
Other than that, he is to be cremated, so we would rather prefer a service at the crematorium, than five of us rattling around a church. My kids don't even know any prayers !!!! Help.
Would it be possible to have a minister say something at the crematorium? That would still be a 'godly' service for him but scaled down [and shorter] for you and your family. Otherwise, I guess I would find a tiny church for a service. I think you should respect the departing one's wishes so in the future, when you think of him you will remember that you fufilled your responsibilities and carried out his final wishes. How will you feel in the future if you don't?