IRELAND: Church,alappuzha District,Kerala state has implemented the method of burying the body directly in the ground without the coffin

Cherthala: Arthunkal church, Alappuzha District, Kerala state has implemented the method of burying the body directly in the ground without the coffin. According to the church authorities, this is the first time that such a funeral is being held in Kerala. The church practices the old Jewish method of wrapping the body in a shroud. Chullikal Philomena Peter's funeral was the first to be conducted in this manner.

The salt content of the coastal soil slows the decomposition of the dead body. In this situation, Vicar Fr.Johnson,Taundayil came up with a new idea in Arthungal St. George Church in Kochi Diocese, a church under the Latin Church, kerala state, now started this practice.

People are now buying coffins at a huge cost. All boxes will have a plastic cover. The new method was started after understanding that the dead body placed in the coffin with plastic cover and non-decomposing materials does not join the soil even after years.

Steel boxes have been prepared in the church for post-death services. This will be given to the houses where death occurs. Bury the corpse wrapped in a cloth by digging a hole same like previously in the cemetery and spreading a cloth over it and strewing flowers. It has also been instructed to avoid all types of plastic from culture.

The new method was initiated after a year of discussions at various levels. All 949 families of Arthunkal parish were consulted. The new method was implemented by discussing and resolving the concerns of all 33 family units. It has also been approved by the Pastoral Council. In addition to being environmentally friendly, this change can also be cost effective.

Tommy Elassery, Central Committee Convener and Cherthala South Gram Panchayat Standing Committee Chairman, said that the new method was implemented through a collective decision.