Edited by Stuart M. Matlins
Based on the Award-Winning How to Be a Perfect Stranger:
A Guide to
Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies.
The handbook for how to respond in an
appropriate way when someone dies—no matter what their
faith or denomination.
Few of us are ever prepared for the loss
of a relative, friend or colleague. This stressful situation
can be made worse if we are unfamiliar with the practices and
rituals of the deceased person’s religious tradition.
This complete guide provides all the
answers you need to express your condolences and show your
respect in the appropriate way regardless of the religious
tradition involved, addressing many common concerns, including:
Will there be a ceremony—what will
it be like, and how long will it last? What should I wear? What
should I avoid doing, wearing, saying? Are flowers appropriate?
What is the appropriate behavior if viewing the body?
These are just a few of the basic, very
practical questions answered in this unique etiquette guide
covering all the major (and many minor) denominations and
religions found in North America—from Hindu to
Presbyterian, from Mennonite to Sikh—helping you to do
the right thing in a difficult situation.
Covers all the major (and many minor)
denominations and religions found in North America!
"This book couldn’t have come
at a better time.... A welcome Stranger"
—Chicago
Sun-Times
"A wealth of
information….‘strangers’ to a religion will
know exactly how to act, react, and console friends of
differing religions."
—Ron E.
Wilder, President, Association for
Death Education and Counseling
"No other book comes close to being
as comprehensive and easy to read…. A treasure, long
overdue. A wonderful reference and guide."
—Helen
Fitzgerald, C.D.E. (Certified Death
Educator); author of The Mourning
Handbook and The Grieving Teen
