Presbyterians Prefer Simplicity

June 4, 2004—According to Religion News Service, "A survey of Presbyterian pastors and parishioners shows that most prefer a memorial service to a funeral and want their bodies cremated rather than buried".

"The survey by the Presbyterian Panel measured pastors' and members' thoughts about death and dying in late 2002, and was released in April. The survey was sent to 3,000 members, elders, and ordained ministers."

"Forty percent of members and 53 percent of pastors want to be cremated. Twenty percent of respondents weren't sure. One-third of pastors and members want their ashes scattered; 30 percent of pastors and 25 percent of members want their ashes buried. Almost 13 percent from both groups want ashes in a memorial columbarium, while only four percent of members and one percent of pastors want their ashes kept by a relative or friend."

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