May a Catholic be cremated?

[Ana_v]

What is the Catholic teaching regarding cremation?

 

[La_Vie_Sainte]

It’s considered a valid form of burial. Read more here.

 

[Seatuck]

cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=49

 

[Bookcat]

(while yes it is possible…as I am sure is explained in the above)

I prefer the approach of the early Christians

 

[Immaculata90]

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

2300 The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy;92 it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.

2301 Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious.

The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.

It depends on why someone wants to be cremated. If it is to “swim with the dolphins” or “run in the forest” That’s probably a no-no. I’ve heard that if one is cremated, at least part of the cremains must be put in a tomb–but I am not exactly sure on that part.

So, yes and no. It really depends on the motives and thinking behind being cremated.