 | Dear Gramps, I realize that LDS have been counseled against cremation in all ages but some, like my in-laws did it anyway and in some cultures and areas of the world it is the accepted and expected practice. With low budget funerals in the $6,000 range, how is a widow(er) of little means to honor this decree? Catherine Allen, mindless.com |
Dear Catherine,
Although the Church takes no official position on the manner of the disposition of the
body after death, as you have indicated, the Brethren
counsel that consignment to the earth is proper and appropriate. The body, of course, is a
sacred vessel, being formed in the very image of God, and as the tabernacle of the spirit,
which is a child of God. The following counsel is given in the Priesthood Bulletin, 1980--
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints counsels its members to bury their
dead in the earth to return dust to dust, unless the law of the country requires
cremation. However, the decision whether to bury or cremate the body is left to the family
of the deceased, taking into account any laws governing the matter."
The cost of funeral services and burial vary widely, accommodating both the means of the
affluent and of the indigent. Thus almost every budget can somehow be accommodated. It
would be wise when such needs arose to counsel with one's bishop, who would give
compassionate consideration to both the interests and the limited means of the family of
the deceased.
Gramps