When organizing a funeral or memorial service, you may encounter the term funeral resolution. This phrase is especially common in church-based or faith-centered ceremonies, but many families and organizations use funeral resolutions to honor loved ones regardless of denomination. What exactly is a funeral resolution, and how does it differ from other tributes like eulogies or acknowledgments? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the meaning, purpose, and structure of a funeral resolution, provide a real example, and offer practical tips for writing your own from scratch.
Watch the Full Video Guide
What Is a Funeral Resolution?
A funeral resolution is a formal, written statement adopted by a church, organization, or family to honor the life and legacy of someone who has passed away. Unlike a eulogy, which is a personal reflection or spoken tribute, a funeral resolution is an official document that becomes part of the permanent record of a church or group. It expresses sympathy, acknowledges the loss, and offers comfort to the bereaved family, while also formally celebrating the individual’s contributions, faith, and character in a way that outlasts the service itself.
Funeral Resolution vs. Eulogy: Key Differences
| Funeral Resolution | Eulogy |
|---|---|
| Formal, official document | Personal speech or tribute |
| Adopted by a church or organization | Given by a family member or friend |
| Becomes part of permanent record | Not an official record |
| Follows a set structure | Flexible, personal stories |
| Read aloud and archived | Spoken once, from the heart |
Key Elements of a Funeral Resolution
Most funeral resolutions follow a similar structure, refined over generations of church tradition. Here are the essential elements:
- Title: Commonly “Resolution of Respect” or “Resolution in Loving Memory”
- Opening Statement: A formal introduction, often referencing faith or scripture
- Whereas Clauses: Statements beginning with “Whereas,” outlining the deceased’s life, character, and contributions
- Be It Resolved Clauses: Formal resolutions expressing sympathy, comfort, and support for the family
- Closing: A final blessing or prayer, followed by the signatures of church officials or family representatives
How to Write a Funeral Resolution
Writing a funeral resolution may seem intimidating at first, but following a simple, well-established structure makes the process far more manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start with a Title: For example, “Resolution of Respect for John Doe”
- Open with a Statement of Faith or Sympathy: Reference scripture or express condolences to set the tone
- Include “Whereas” Statements: Highlight the person’s life, faith, and service to the community
- State the “Be It Resolved” Clauses: Offer comfort, support, and a formal call to remember the individual’s legacy
- Close with a Blessing or Prayer: End with words of hope and encouragement for those grieving
- Sign and Date: Include the names and titles of those adopting the resolution, along with the date it was submitted
Sample Funeral Resolution
Here’s a brief example of a funeral resolution to help guide your own writing:
Resolution of Respect for Mary Smith
Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God to call from our midst our beloved sister, Mary Smith;
Whereas, Mary was a devoted member of our church, serving faithfully for over 30 years;
Be it resolved, that we, the members of First Baptist Church, express our deepest sympathy to the Smith family;
Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be given to the family and a copy kept in the church records.
Humbly submitted this 10th day of June, 2024.
When and Where Is a Funeral Resolution Read?
A funeral resolution is typically read aloud during the funeral or memorial service, often following the eulogy or acknowledgments portion of the program. In many churches, it is presented by a pastor, church clerk, or designated family representative. After the service concludes, a copy is given directly to the family, and another copy is retained permanently in the church’s official records for future reference.
Funeral Resolution Templates and Resources
If you need help creating a funeral resolution, there are many templates and examples available online to guide you. You can also watch this detailed video guide for step-by-step instructions. For more inspiration, check out the Funeral Program Site YouTube channel for additional resources and examples.
Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Resolutions
- Do all funerals require a resolution? No, funeral resolutions are most common in church or faith-based services, but any family or organization can choose to include one regardless of tradition.
- Who writes the funeral resolution? It can be written by a pastor, church clerk, family member, or friend familiar with the deceased’s life and faith journey.
- Can a funeral resolution be personalized? Yes! While formal in structure, you can absolutely include personal touches, favorite scriptures, or unique accomplishments that made the person who they were.
- How long should a funeral resolution be? Most resolutions run one to two pages, long enough to honor the person meaningfully without becoming difficult to read aloud during the service.
- Is a funeral resolution the same as an obituary? No — an obituary is typically a news announcement of the death and biographical summary, while a resolution is a formal church or organizational tribute adopted as an official record.
Listen: Funeral Resolution Podcast
Quick Tips (Short Videos)
|
|
|
More Support and Guidance
For more help with funeral planning, visit the Funeral Program Site for templates, samples, and expert advice. If you’d like to listen to a discussion on this topic, check out the podcast episode above for additional insights.
Need a printable version? view the Google Doc version
For even more details and sample resolutions, Read the full support article
Conclusion
A funeral resolution is a meaningful way to honor a loved one’s life and legacy in a formal, lasting manner that outlives the service itself. Whether you are part of a church, organization, or family, understanding how to write and present a funeral resolution can bring comfort and respect to those grieving, while creating a permanent record of a life well-lived. Use the guidance and example above to create a tribute that truly reflects your loved one’s impact and memory for years to come.