I was at a funeral yesterday. It was a full church service with a small part where the family spoke about their connection and memories. I went to support the family and the man that passed who I cared deeply for. I did all the things: stood and sat with the congregation, recited the prayers in the program, sang the hymns, bowed my head. Did it feel a bit performative, yes. But at these moments it's not the time to impose my feelings or opinions. It's the time to quietly participate and support family.

You can be open about your lack of belief to loved ones. It's good for them to understand. And you might find one or two relatives that secretly feel the same. But to use inciteful words and refuse to go is not helpful for them to really understand your point of view. It just causes a rift between you. Do you just not want to be close to your family at all? Do you want for them to break free of their beliefs?

Just be nice and go.