The New York State Catholic Conference (NYSCC) encourages Catholics to reach out to Gov. Kathy Hochul. It is reportedly in line with their request to veto a bill to authorize the expedited composting of human remains.
The bill is also currently in the committee stage, as reported.
Natural Organic Reduction
According to a statement released on Nov. 14 by the Catholic conference, the state legislature approved a procedure known as a natural organic reduction in June.
The bill was passed after Senate bill S5535 "without any public consultation."
As per the information provided in the article from Catholic Courier, the proposed bill's method includes placing a human corpse that has already passed away in a container with organic material.
Then, over several weeks, the body will be turned into soil by adding oxygen and heat to the mixture, as reported.
The remaining bone and tooth shards are reduced to powder, and an area equal to one cubic yard of soil is given back to the family to grow new plants and trees.
"The New York State Bishops oppose this bill because composting is typically used for household or agricultural waste and does not provide the respect due to bodily remains," the Catholic conference said.
As reported, the measure's fate lies in Gov. Kathy Hochul, who reportedly has the power to either sign it to make it a law or veto it.
"Please ask Governor Hochul to veto this bill," the Catholic conference added.
About New York State Catholic Conference
Based on its website, the New York State Catholic Conference is the organization that speaks on behalf of the state's Bishops.
They collaborate with the state government to craft laws and policies that promote the common good, respect for life, and social justice.
As mentioned, the organization serves as a unified voice for the state's eight dioceses, allowing them to speak out on subjects.
Such subjects include abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia, criminal justice, education, environment, family life, health care, poverty, and social services.
Also, they are encouraging the members of the public to participate in the process and apply the principles of Catholic teaching to the most pressing concerns of the time.
The eight dioceses that made up the Catholic conference include the following:
- Archdiocese of New York
- Diocese of Albany
- Diocese of Brooklyn
- Diocese of Buffalo
- Diocese of Ogdensburg
- Diocese of Rochester
- Diocese of Rockville Centre
- Diocese of Syracuse
Moreover, they believe that all have a louder voice in the corridors of government through the Catholic Action Network (CAN).
It is a branch of the Catholic Conference that reaches tens of thousands of Catholics through email and social media alerts.
As reported, the CAN provides educational updates on the issues being debated. It also provides the tools to simplify contacting your elected officials.
CAN's mission is to educate and empower Catholics to make a difference. It is reportedly known as the state's official voice of the Catholic church.
Additionally, the New York State Catholic Conference is located at 465 State St., Albany, NY.
More from Crossmap: Fresh Start Christian Center's Devar Dance Ministry to have its 'weWorship: The Reset'
