| | The Catholic position for two millennia was that cremation did not treat the body with the respect warranted for God's image. The respect for life also required a respect for the body in death. | | The Catholic position for two millennia was that cremation did not treat the body with the respect warranted for God's image. The respect for life also required a respect for the body in death. |
| − | The Church relaxed its prohibition on cremation in 1963. In 1963, the Catholic Church lifted its prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. Canon 1176 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law mandates, "''''The Church earnestly recommends the pious custom of burying the bodies of the dead be observed''', it does not however, forbid cremation unless it has been chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching."<ref>http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4A.HTM (emphasis added)</ref> | + | The Church relaxed its prohibition on cremation in 1963. In 1963, the Catholic Church lifted its prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. Canon 1176 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law mandates, "''''The Church earnestly recommends the pious custom of burying the bodies of the dead be observed''', it does not however, forbid cremation unless it has been chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching."<ref>http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4A.HTM (emphasis added)</ref> The Catholic Catechism, Section 2301, states, "The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body."<ref>http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a5.htm#2301</ref> |
| − | In practice, however, recent years have seen a great increase in cremations among [[Catholics]], many of whom are unaware of the traditional teaching. | + | In practice, however, recent years have seen a great increase in cremations among [[Catholics]], many of whom are unaware of the traditional teaching. Estimates range as high as 50% of the number of Catholics who are being cremated as of 2006, and several dioceses are even offering cremation services.<ref>http://www.catholic.org/diocese/diocese_story.php?id=18767</ref> |