Christians taking to Cremation largely

Scarcity of space and pricey real estates have caused fresh worries for Christians in the country who are now shifting to cremation instead of the age–old tradition of burial, which accords with the Bible.

The new trend implemented in major Indian cities, has also sparked a controversy among Churches who feel cremation isn’t a traditional Christian practice, although the Bible doesn’t forbid it. The Bible says, "Dust you are, and to dust you shall return," so it’s a question to the churches if cremation can be recommended.

Today many Christians, although few in India, are accepting the practice, in the West, cremations are becoming common and according to one estimate, the number of Christians in the United States opting for cremation would touch 40% by 2010.

And like in the West, overriding considerations favoring cremation in India are shortage of burial plots in cities as well as costs involved, cited Times News (TNN).

Father Dominic Emmanuel of the Delhi Archdiocese says, "I wouldn't say we are actively pursuing cremation of bodies, but, yes, we are suggesting that the Church has absolutely no objection to cremation."

While churches still prefer burial, "Cremation is allowed subject to condition that it is not done against faith in resurrection and that it does not create a scandal," says Father Paul Therakat of the Syro–Malabar Church, quoted TNN.