Explainer: What does human composting mean for Catholics?

New legislation in NSW has approved human composting, also known as natural organic reduction or terramation, as an option alongside burial and cremation. The process involves placing a body in a vessel with plant materials like sawdust, mulch, or straw to accelerate decomposition into soil.

Professor Clare Johnson, director of the Centre for Liturgy at Australian Catholic University, noted that the practice raises questions for Catholics regarding the treatment of the body and the fate of decomposed remains. Catholic funeral traditions treat the body with respect as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Burial in a sacred place also provides a location for families to gather for prayer and serves as a sign of hope in the resurrection of the body.

While the Vatican has stated that resurrection is possible even if a body is not physically intact, the specific rules for governing the process and the placement of remains in NSW are still being developed. Catholic cemeteries are currently awaiting guidance from the Church regarding this practice.