No more coffins, Kerala church opts eco-friendly burial method
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A catholic church in Kerala has chosen an eco-friendly way of burying the dead and stepping away from the long tradition of Christianity.
St George Church in Arthunkal's priest Fr Johnson Thaundiyil said that from now wooden coffins will not be used in burying. The dead will be lowered to the grave wrapped in a plain linen growth. The decision was taken after discussion within the church as well as the community, reported The Indian Express.
Arthunkal in Alappuzha being a coastal town, the high salinity of the soil delays the decomposition of the bodies buried in wooden caskets. The church authorities found that bodies as old as five years were not fully decomposed. This prevents the grave from being used for another burial.
During the funeral, the body will be placed in a steel coffin which will be at disposal for common use. The new practice is being described as returning to the simple and nature-friendly burial practice.
Several churches in Kerala have been running out of space to bury the dead in the cemeteries. Some churches even considered cremation. However, it did not become a practice despite the church's consent.