The Funeralocity Manifesto
The Catholic Church has a complex and nuanced position on cremation, which has evolved over time. Historically, the Church has had a strong preference for burial, as it is seen as a way to respect the body and its connection to the soul, and to symbolize the Christian belief in the resurrection of the body. However, in the 20th century, the Church began to allow cremation as long as it did not conflict with the faith or the Church’s teachings.
In 1963, the Catholic Church issued a statement on cremation, in which it acknowledged the growing popularity of this practice and the reasons why people might choose it, such as economic considerations or a desire to avoid the use of land for burials. However, the Church also emphasized that cremation should not be seen as a denial of the belief in the resurrection of the body, and that the ashes of the deceased should be treated with respect and dignity.
In 2016, the Catholic Church issued an updated statement on cremation, in which it clarified its position further. The Church reiterated that cremation is now permitted, but it should not be seen as a rejection of the belief in the resurrection of the body. The Church also emphasized that the ashes of the deceased should be treated with respect and dignity, and should be kept in a sacred place, such as a church or cemetery. The Church also strongly urged that the ashes not be divided among family members or kept at home, but rather placed in a sacred place, a columbarium or in-ground burial.
The Church also affirmed that the funeral rites for a person who has been cremated are the same as for a person who has been buried. This means that a funeral Mass can be celebrated and the ashes can be placed in a niche, a columbarium or buried in a cemetery. The Church also emphasized that a funeral Mass should be celebrated with the body of the deceased present, if possible, before cremation. This is in line with the belief that the body is an integral part of the person and should be honored and respected as such.
In addition to these guidelines, the Church also stresses the importance of proper disposition of the ashes. The Church believes that the ashes should be buried in a cemetery or other sacred place, and not kept in an urn at home. This is because the Church believes that the ashes should be treated with the same respect and dignity as the body, and that they should be placed in a sacred place where they can be remembered and honored by the living.
Overall, the Catholic Church’s position on cremation has evolved over time, but it remains committed to the belief in the resurrection of the body and the importance of treating the body and the ashes of the deceased with respect and dignity. While cremation is now permitted, it should not be seen as a denial of the belief in the resurrection of the body, and the ashes should be kept in a sacred place. The Church also stresses the importance of proper disposition of the ashes and proper funeral rites for a person who has been cremated.
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