Cremation: What do Utahns Think?

The Deseret News ran an article yesterday about cremation rates in Utah.  Although cremation is not catching on as quickly here in Utah as it is elsewhere in this country, it is nevertheless on the rise. One of the first questions I received from a client when I opened up my law firm was about this topic.  This individual was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and asked if I knew whether or not the LDS Church frowned upon cremation.  

I wasn't sure at the time, so I began to study the issue.  The conclusion that I came to was that while culturally many LDS members and even some leaders have frowned upon it in the past, the choice is set squarely upon the shoulders of each individual member of the LDS faith.  To the best of my knowledge, the LDS Church takes no stance on whether cremation is appropriate for its membership.  Although some LDS commentators have suggested (note: scroll down to the second article) that burial is a preferred method, it is clearly not a doctrinal mandate. 

What do you think?  I'd love to hear your comments.