The Symbol Of The Cross In Worship

The one symbol used in perhaps every tradition of worship is the cross. This article presents advice on appropriate ways that a cross may be displayed in the worship space. It is desirable that there be only one cross visible in the chancel during the celebration of the liturgy. Depending on the architecture of the building and its furnishings, such a cross may be simple and unadorned, or elaborately decorated. In a church with a free-standing altar, a fixed cross may appropriately be placed on the wall behind it, or it may be suspended over it. While it should be large enough to be seen, it should not be so large that it appears to lessen the importance of the altar itself. When there is a cross above or behind the altar, the processional cross should be placed out of sight, or at least in a place where it is not facing the congregation, during the course of the liturgy. An attractive alternative is to use the processional cross itself as the cross to be visible during the ser…