The way our society views death and the manner in which we honour a loved one who has died have evolved over time. It is helpful to understand the Church’s approach to funerals, for the sake of our own bereavement and the good of our faith.
What the Church says about the human body
Catholics believe that one day we will be raised up body and soul to a new life with Christ. The Church followed through with our Jewish heritage of not cremating the deceased. It is a visible sign of our expectation that the body, like Christ’s, will be resurrected.
The 1983 Code of Canon Law reflects our current understanding of cremation and its acceptance in today’s society:
- “The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burial be retained, but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons that are contrary to Christian teaching.” (Canon 1176)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which details Church teaching on many issues, confirms that this is the case:
- “...the Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.” (no. 2301)
