In fresh days, the proposal of the talker of the Sejm Simon Holownia to introduce municipal price lists in spiritual cemeteries has sparked a heated discussion in the media and society. The Hołównia argues that these regulations are essential where the spiritual cemetery is the only available burial site to warrant all citizen, regardless of religion, a dignified and financially accessible resting place.
Prices in cemeteries – what does that mean?
Hołownia recalled that a akin proposal had already been presented 4 years ago by his group Poland 2050. The thought is that local governments would set price lists in spiritual cemeteries in towns where there are no another burial options. In practice, this would mean that unbelievers or those belonging to another religions would have the right to be buried in specified cemeteries on the same financial terms as believers. In this way, equality before the law is to be ensured and a situation in which individual is charged excessive costs for burials simply due to the fact that he lives in a place without a municipal cemetery.
Reactions to Holown’s idea
This thought has provoked a variety of reactions. A part of society supports the initiative, seeing a step towards separating the Church from the state and ensuring equality for all citizens. In particular, those who do not identify with the Catholic Church can see a change for the better, protecting their interests.
On the another hand, there are no shortages of critical voices, especially in conservative and church environments. They fear that the introduction of specified regulations may be another step towards weakening the function of the Church in society and violating its autonomy in the management of its own properties. Critics besides point to possible applicable difficulties, specified as the way rates are set and enforced.
YES Coalition
Importantly, as the Holovnia points out, his thought was met with broad support in the ruling coalition. "Let us now implement this as a regulation or as a bill, immediately. Let us begin somewhere this journey of separation of the Church from the state, calm, respectful, without a spiritual war, but consistently conducted" - he appealed in TVN24.
It so seems that despite controversy, the task has a real chance of implementation. The introduction of uniform price lists in spiritual cemeteries may be a step towards greater social justice, but it besides becomes a challenge that requires a delicate approach and a broad public debate.
Future prospects
If the proposal is put into effect, it can open the way to further initiatives aimed at independency of state institutions from the Church, which in Poland has been the subject of lively discussions for years. Regardless of the result of these actions, the debate on the function of the Church in public life and the right of citizens to world-view neutrality will surely continue.
Continued here:
Pricelists in the cemeteries: The Holovnia causes a storm with its idea. Is this a change for the better?
