Faith Sections in Cemeteries Explained

Many public and private cemeteries set aside sections for particular faiths. These sections let communities follow their own burial customs while sharing a larger cemetery.

Common faith sections

• Catholic — often blessed ground; see Catholic symbols.
• Jewish — may be managed with a synagogue or burial society; see Jewish unveiling traditions.
• Muslim — graves laid out facing Mecca; see Muslim headstone guide.
• Orthodox Christian — Greek, Russian, Ukrainian and others.
• Other communities — Chinese, Buddhist, military or fraternal sections.

Who can be buried there?

Eligibility is usually set by the faith community. Some sections require membership of a congregation; others welcome anyone of that faith. Interfaith couples may need special permission — see headstones for mixed-faith couples.

Headstone rules

Faith sections often have extra rules:

• Orientation — such as facing Mecca or east.
• Symbols — some restrict images or crosses.
• Simplicity — Muslim and some Jewish sections favour modest markers.
• Timing — Jewish families often unveil the stone within the first year.

Ask for the section's written rules before designing.

Buying a plot

Plots in faith sections may be sold through the cemetery or the community. Prices and availability can differ from the rest of the cemetery. See cemetery plot cost factors.

Clergy and burial societies

In many faith sections, clergy or a community burial society play a key role — preparing the body, leading prayers and advising on the memorial. Contact them early; they often know the section's rules better than the cemetery office.

Key Takeaways

• Many cemeteries have Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and other sections.
• Eligibility is set by the faith community.
• Sections may have orientation and symbol rules.
• Get written rules before designing.

Next Step

See cemetery headstone rules and why headstones face east.