'A defined and permanent sacred place can be set aside for the commingled accumulation and preservation of the ashes of deceased baptized persons, indicating the identity of each person so as not to lose the memory of their names,' Cdl. Fernández wrote.
The bishops said human 'composting' and alkaline hydrolysis (also known as water cremation'), which cause deceased human bodies to be 'completely disintegrated' and disposed of in fields or sewers, are incompatible with Church teaching regarding man's 'inherent dignity and worth.'
Alkaline hydrolysis, or 'water cremation,' which involves liquifying the human body and dumping the remains into the sewage system, is already approved in 20 states.