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Religious Views in Cremation
"The religions that permit cremation include most Protestant denominations, Roman Catholicism (under certain conditions…) Reform Judaism, as well as Buddhism, Hare Krishna, and Hinduism." Russian Orthodox and Armenian Orthodox churches neither forbid nor approve. (Please consult your clergy regarding questions on cremation.)
(Funerals Consumer’s last Rights, by the Editors of Consumer Reports)
"The Church of England, for example, which once opposed cremation, has dropped its restrictions against the practice. Its support of cremation influenced, in turn, the Episcopal Church in the United States. Most American Protestant denominations, including Methodist, Presbyterian, the Society of Friends (Quakers), Christian Science, Seventh-Day Adventists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, permit cremation."
(Funerals Consumer’s last Rights, by the Editors of Consumer Reports)
Many Catholics are still unaware that the Church allows cremation.
"Is cremation an option for Catholics?
Yes it is, despite being expressly forbidden for centuries, The Second Vatican Council in 1963 granted permission for cremation, with the provision that there be a sound reason and that it would not be a challenge to the belief of resurrection."
(The Catholic Yearbook. 1998)
"The Church modified its opposition to the practice in 1963 and today, Roman Catholics incur no penalties if they choose cremation under certain conditions. *These include: (1) if cremation is customary in a country, such as in India or Japan; (2) if there is a danger of disease for reasons of epidemics, plagues, or war; (3) if a suitable grave site cannot be obtained because of cost or geographic distances; (4) if civil law requires cremation, as in Tokyo." (Please consult your clergy regarding questions on cremation.)
(Funerals Consumer’s last Rights, by the Editors of Consumer Reports)
"Why The Change? What caused the change, especially after centuries of disapproval? Major factors in the acceptance of cremation are geographic, economic, ecologic and family. It became an attractive option for families, for example, when a loved one dies far away from home. The cost and practicality of transporting cremated remains is considerably less expensive and a lot simpler that transporting a body. Then, too, land especially in metropolitan areas, has become limited."
(The Catholic Yearbook. 1998)
"New language has been incorporated in order of Christian Funerals so that liturgies may be celebrated when cremated remains are present. The ritual and text were adapted because of the difference between body and cremated remains. The Church, however, still recommends that the body be present at the funeral, with the cremation to follow."
(The Catholic Yearbook. 1998)