Question
Dear Gramps,
How are Mormons laid to rest?
Gordon
Answer
Dear Gordon,
Generally, members of our Church are buried. In various parts of the world, especially in Asia the practice of cremation is common and sometimes required by law. Our members are strongly encouraged to obey the laws of the land in which they reside.
The following counsel has been given to our local leaders:
“We reaffirm the perspective that the body is good and, as a creation of God, is to be respected. But as the Church has moved into nations other than the United States, there has been recognition that cultural practices differ. Generally, Latter-day Saints in the Western world have felt that nothing should be done which is destructive to the body. That should be left to nature. Church leaders have counseled that only in unusual circumstances or where required by law should cremation take place.
Where there is no overriding reason to cremate, burial is still the preferred method of handling our dead. In the end, however, we should remember that the resurrection will take place by the power of God, who created the heavens and the earth. Ultimately, whether a person’s body was buried at sea, destroyed in combat or an accident, intentionally cremated, or buried in a grave, the person will be resurrected.”
