The Catholic Church has clarified its instructions on cremation. In rules released this week, the church maintains its preference for burial over cremation. But it also says those who choose cremation should not scatter ashes “in the air, on land, at sea, or in some other way.” According to the rules, ashes also have no place in the home. Instead, cremated remains should be preserved in cemeteries or other church-approved sacred places. The Vatican said it issued the guidelines because of the “unstoppable increase” in cremation. The church banned cremation for centuries, but began to allow the practice in 1963.