Canon Francis Omondi
See: https://atjcs.netact.org.za/index.php/netact/issue/view/4
Every time a prominent Kenyan Christian is cremated instead of being buried,3
a debate ensues among Kenyan Christians on the best ways of disposing of
their dead. The real contestation is on whether Christianity sanctions
cremation.
The attitude of Christians has not shifted to favor cremation, despite the
reforms churches have made on their funeral policies. For example, the
Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) adopted changes to accept cremations as a
way of disposing of the dead in 1999 (ACK, Special Provincial Synod 2000, Min
3.9). But when Manasses Kuria, ACK’s second Archbishop, cremated the body
of his wife Mrs. Mary Nyambura Kuria in 2002 astonished Christians
disapproved of his action. Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) had
relaxed her position on cremation for their followers following Vatican II.
This article examines the debate about whether Christianity sanctions
cremation. First, it explains the historical development of burial as a church
practice adopted by most Christians in Kenya and highlights various customary
African norms for disposing of the dead. Second, it examines incidences of
cremations in Kenya, explaining why Christians are taking up this practice.
Third, it sets up a critical correlation of the findings in the second step, with
the normative traditions of the Kenyan Christians. Fourth, it applies
the empirical data and theological discourse to offer a theory for action which
revises the present praxis. It adduces theological grounds that allow Christians
to accept cremation as another way of disposing of their dead.
Although the Churches have pronounced themselves on cremation as an
acceptable alternative means of disposing of the dead, many Christians remain
reticent to switch to cremation from burial. This article has addressed the
reason for Christian reluctance by answering the objections raised against
cremation. This study was not a biblical response to cremation. Instead it
focused on presenting a theological response to the belief challenges facing
Christian disposing of their dead. I have, in this article, established a
theologically informed course of action, an action that removes the inhibition
of Christians in Kenya to cremation as a way of disposing of the dead,
consistent with the existing traditions of Christian faith and African customs.
This article exposes salient aspects surrounding cremation, establishing that it
does not offend Christian dogma, nor does it assault African customs.
In offering a plan for action to revise the present praxis, this study has
proposed a way forward for Kenyan Christians, having established that
Cremation offers Christians a valid and acceptable alternative to traditional
burial.
See the full article here: https://atjcs.netact.org.za/index.php/netact/issue/view/4
waanglicana
Dear Canon Francis Omondi,
I had read this quarter-way n had purposed to complete n get back; thanks for the prompt.
I so fully agree with you n I love that you have expounded it from all angles, especially historical, cultural, theological, religious n even Biblically.
Actually since Kuria, my mind was pricked to consider it n all my reading tells me it’s an OK alternative. Kitambo, Jesus n others, Sarah, Abraham’s wife n their progeniture were all buried in the same ‘caves’ not individual ‘holes’ graves. A guy was thrown into Elisha’s grave n he rose again. So for me this idea of indivualised grave doesn’t hack it.
Cremation on the other hand means we do not litter our farms/plots with individual graves, we can create one ‘sepulchre’ n a mausoleum where we cab store all the memorabilia of our loved ones, but put all the ashes in one dug-out coverable hole.
My unwritten will says, cremation! Way to go.
I love your writing skill. Let me revive mine.
Keep sharing n teaching the world…
A. Gitonga
waanglicana
Dr Wanjiru M Gitau: If so, I will say, as you know, the bible is translatable enough that you can construction a theology to justify anything. So it’s possible to theologically justify cremation. However, is that the point? In African culture, any ritual allows the kin and community to come together. It seems to me that although in Hindus the practice allows Hindus and other Eastern people to mourn sufficiently and rebuild, in the African setting it is the elective procedure of the autonomous city individuals and their immediate nuclear family. It leaves the larger kinship network with little outlet for grief. It contributes to the rollercoaster of disintegration in the African society.
waanglicana
Grace Okonji :
Awesome, professional, impressive very informative with actionable conclusions. Indeed the church needs to provide protocol/ guidelines. The idea of a christian crematorium is very important.
The only thing I miss on historical section is that even the Luo of Kenya buried dead bodies inside a hut or if outside, they lit fire on the night by the graveside on the night of burial to scare away hyenas because graves were shallow. I think this was written by Prof G.E.M. Ogutu. The Luos also shaved heads of the bereaved.
On Environmentally responsive reason for cremation, there is a challenge where wood is the source of fire. environmetal destruction is questioned. During COVID, Indians ran short of wood.
On pg 40, I love figures. Is it possible to get figures on the % of Kenyans cremated?
Minor issues, you use Abaluhya, Luhya abd Luyia interchagably. Unless you are quotating a writer, you may want to adopt yours. Also noted is need to be consistent if you want to use corpse or dead body or both depending on context and quote.
waanglicana
Grace Okonji :
Awesome, professional, impressive very informative with actionable conclusions. Indeed the church needs to provide protocol/ guidelines. The idea of a christian crematorium is very important.
The only thing I miss on historical section is that even the Luo of Kenya buried dead bodies inside a hut or if outside, they lit fire on the night by the graveside on the night of burial to scare away hyenas because graves were shallow. I think this was written by Prof G.E.M. Ogutu. The Luos also shaved heads of the bereaved.
On Environmentally responsive reason for cremation, there is a challenge where wood is the source of fire. environmetal destruction is questioned. During COVID, Indians ran short of wood.
On pg 40, I love figures. Is it possible to get figures on the % of Kenyans cremated?
Minor issues, you use Abaluhya, Luhya abd Luyia interchagably. Unless you are quotating a writer, you may want to adopt yours. Also noted is need to be consistent if you want to use corpse or dead body or both depending on context and quote.
waanglicana
Canon J. Kilimo
Hi Canon. Trust you are well. I have read your well researched paper on cremation for Kenyan Christians. You have reinforced my belief that there is nothing un Christian about cremation and that it is one of the available methods of disposing a body. When Charles Njonjo died and was cremated, the issue came up and I defended the practice saying it is not prohibited by Scripture nor does it oppose any known doctrine in Christianity. I was a minority and your paper has educated me some.
Thanks and be blessed.
waanglicana
Canon J. Kilimo
Hi Canon. Trust you are well. I have read your well researched paper on cremation for Kenyan Christians. You have reinforced my belief that there is nothing un Christian about cremation and that it is one of the available methods of disposing a body. When Charles Njonjo died and was cremated, the issue came up and I defended the practice saying it is not prohibited by Scripture nor does it oppose any known doctrine in Christianity. I was a minority and your paper has educated me some.
Thanks and be blessed.