4th February 2011, 06:11 PM
(This post was last modified: 4th February 2011, 06:14 PM by Madweasels.)
It should be, of course, possible for stores containing human remains to be blessed/consecrated in the same way that chapels of rest in hospitals are. I imagine that thos could be done in a multi-denominational way. Arguably, the remains are likely to be better cared for in these stores (if also under the creation of any religious group that wishes to oversee them) than in the ground. Perhaps those whose religious sensibilities are being disturbed by these remains being out of the ground should be brought into the care and curation of the 'asset' as preserved ex situ rather than being seen as on the other side of the fence to the academics. (Not surprisingly, we archaeologists think that we know best again!) 'Consecrated/blessed' stores with access observed in an agreed fashion by academics and the faithful (i.e. faiths recognised by whatever law in this country recognises faiths as legit - does such a thing exist or is it to do with charity status or something) should be a working compromise, I would have thought. Remember, remains in cemeteries and catacombs can be exhumed for study (forensic) - the same principles (though streamlined) could apply to human remains in my new blessed stores. Simples, as my Meerkat cousins might say.