How Do You Follow Roman Catholic Law On Cremation?
For centuries, Roman Catholics were taught that cremation is against Canon Law. In 1963, however, the Holy Office (the forerunner of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the office responsible for the rules and regulations of the Roman Catholic faith), stated that cremation is permitted for Catholics. For the next two decades, the church issued few statements on the topic, but always reinforced certain laws related to cremation. In 1997, Rome approved an addition to the Rite of Christian Funerals and stated that cremation is acceptable, but only when done after the funeral Mass or liturgy is complete. Here is a brief summary of the requirements of Canon Law for Roman Catholics, based upon statements made from the Archdiocese of Richmond, Virginia, in the United States and quoting Canonical authorities. For Roman Catholics, cremation is now an approved method of disposing of the remains of a person. The Order of Christian Funerals, which guides and directs Catholic clergy on
