Death and dying

Mennonites believe that we are created in the image of God and therefore life is precious. We want to make certain that the best care is given to the person who is ill. We believe that God remains with us faithfully through death and that there is eternal life with God after death. Therefore death is not something to be feared. There are no specific death or burial rituals that Mennonites follow, but many try to practice simplicity in style and cost with funeral practices. Memorial services after burial or cremation are common. Autopsies may take place if requested. (A helpful discussion resource from Mennonites on this topic is the DVD, Beyond the News: Facing Death.)