The reason cremains cannot be scattered is because it demonstrates a fundamental disrespect for the human body. First-class relics, on the other hand, are carefully preserved and protected by the Church precisely because of the respect given by Christians for the bodily remains of a holy person. Such relics cannot be sold and ordinarily should not be distributed to private individuals (as distinguished from authorized communities, such as dioceses, parishes, and chapels). That is one distinction that can be made between the respective treatment of cremains versus relics.
