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Catholic Culture Trusted Commentary
Catholic World News

Maltese bishop opposes 'melting' bodies as alternative to cremation

May 01, 2014

In Malta, Bishop Charles Scicluna has voiced his opposition to a proposal to “melt” human corpses, as an alternative to burial or cremation.

“I don’t think that this is in line with the Church’s views on respecting the body,” said Bishop Scicluna, an auxiliary of the Malta diocese. He said that he would consult with others, noting that his opinion was not a formal ruling of the Church.

The proposal under discussion would use a chemical process to remove tissue from human bones. The remaining tissue would be flushed away as waste, while the bones would be ground up and presented to families, much as with ashes in cremation. Bishop Scicluna remarked: “Once a person is baptized, his body must be given the reverence it deserves in death. I don’t think that flushing it away with the rest of our waste meets this expectation.”

 


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  • Posted by: normnuke - May. 03, 2014 3:00 PM ET USA

    But ... But what about global warming?

  • Posted by: elle - May. 02, 2014 9:25 AM ET USA

    Pre-born babies or aka aborted fetuses are now being used for fuel in Oregon. Not sure if a merciful God isn't appalled also Thejournalist64

  • Posted by: TheJournalist64 - May. 01, 2014 6:46 PM ET USA

    Lord have mercy on us and anyone who thought of this. As a chemist, I am appalled.