Handbook 2:
Administering the Church

 

20.9 Dedicating Graves

A person who dedicates a grave should hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and be authorized by the priesthood officer who conducts the service. To dedicate a grave, he:

  1. 1.

    Addresses Heavenly Father.

  2. 2.

    States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.

  3. 3.

    Dedicates and consecrates the burial plot as the resting place for the body of the deceased.

  4. 4.

    Prays that the place will be hallowed and protected until the Resurrection (where appropriate).

  5. 5.

    Asks the Lord to comfort the family and expresses thoughts as the Spirit directs.

  6. 6.

    Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

If the family prefers, a graveside prayer rather than a dedicatory prayer may be offered.

If a Church member’s body is cremated, the presiding officer may use his judgment in determining whether to dedicate the place where the ashes are kept. He takes into account the desires of the family, local customs, and local laws. If the place is dedicated, the priesthood holder may adapt the instructions for dedicating a grave.