Dear Caring Carol,
When sending condolence cards, should I consider my religious beliefs, the religious beliefs of the deceased, or the beliefs or the recipient?
Wondering in Wilmington, Delaware
Dear Wondering,
All of the above! It is most important to consider what the recipient of the sympathy card believes, but what you and the deceased believe is also a factor. If you do not pray as a part of your religion or believe in God, then you would not want to choose a card or write a sympathy message using the words “prayers” or “God” since that would go against your beliefs, even if it is appropriate for the recipient.
Likewise, you wouldn’t want to send a condolence card that pertains to your religion but not the recipients as that could potentially be insulting. Keeping your sympathy message neutral by leaving out any references to religion is usually the safest way to go when sending your condolences. Don’t attempt to make a guess or assume what someone’s religion might be. We know all too well what happens when you assume. However, it is fine to send religious cards if you are certain that the deceased and the recipient of the sympathy card share the same religious beliefs as you do and wouldn’t be offended.
Caring Carol
