Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. Any other flag so displayed in the chancel or on the platform should be placed to the clergyman's or speaker's left as he faces the congregation or audience. They would not have placed a cross in their buildings. 123. 123, 129; Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction, Inter Oecumenici, September 26, 1964, no. 932 1. Answer (1 of 52): A2A Interesting question. Whatever you personally think about the cross as a symbol, remember that no Church leader has made an official statement that members should not wear or display crosses. However, care should be taken to ensure the authenticity of such relics. When, in the Dioceses of the United States of America, other cloths are used in addition to the altar cloth, then those cloths may be of other colors possessing Christian honorific or festive significance according to longstanding local usage, provided that the uppermost cloth covering the mensa (i.e., the altar cloth itself) is always white in color. 2:24. If there isn't a family altar already existent, a special place or table should be designated. In already existing churches, however, when the old altar is so positioned that it makes the peoples participation difficult but cannot be moved without damage to artistic value, another fixed altar, skillfully made and properly dedicated, should be erected and the sacred rites celebrated on it alone. In this case any approved English text may be used. Some passages that address this are: Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. -The Elders, Austinville Church of Christ, 2833 Danville Road SW Decatur, Alabama 35603, View Full Content Source:http://www.decaturcoc.com/resources/articles/2017/10/12/should-we-display-a-cross-in-the-church-building, Signup for more devotionals & words of encouragement, http://www.decaturcoc.com/resources/articles/2017/10/12/should-we-display-a-cross-in-the-church-building. President Hinckley responded, I do not wish to give offense to any of my Christian brethren who use the cross on the steeples of their cathedrals and at the altars of their chapels, who wear it on their vestments, and imprint it on their books and other literature. Given the provisions in the U.S. Cremation is now more common in the U.S. than burial, and its popularity is expected to continue to rise. I wonder how many visitors or recent converts have left the church because of unnecessary comments made about a cross they displayed or wore. 292. It should, moreover, be large enough to allow the Eucharist to be easily celebrated and seen.[114]. Because of its central and higher location, the cross plainly has a place of higher honor than the American flag. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 10; Rituale Romanum, De Benedictionibus, editio typica, 1984, Ordo ad benedicendas imagines quae fidelium venerationi publicae exhibentur, nos. The flag was mostly adopted by a single political party which had strong links with Marxist Leninism, which was anti-Christian and even persecuted Christians. Baptist Beliefs: The Cross Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction, Eucharisticum mysterium, May 25, 1967, no. So I fly the Nigerian flag in the church to present the country perpetually before the Lord for his divine visitation and to also indicate that we love Nigeria dearly. Staff is centered in Nashville, Tennessee, but we also have staff at locations across the United States. It is appropriate that before being put into liturgical use, the organ be blessed according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual.[123]. There should be a crucifix 'positioned either on the altar or near it, and clearly visible to the people gathered there.' Please confirm that you want to receive email from us. John has published several books with Deseret Book, including. There is no requirement that it be place directly upon the altar itself. 866 and 921, forbids the placing of relics upon the altar during the celebration of Mass, and no exception is mentioned for relics of the Passion. If you would like to write a letter to the editor, you can do so here. 11:24, 26-29).The Cup, representing Christs blood (Mat 26:27-28; Mark 14:23-24; Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. 24: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 59 (1967), p. 554; Code of Canon Law, can. Moreover, the altar should occupy a place where it is truly the center toward which the attention of the whole congregation of the faithful naturally turns. For only what is required for the celebration of the Mass may be placed on the altar table: namely, from the beginning of the celebration until the proclamation of the Gospel, the Book of the Gospels; then from the Presentation of the Gifts until the purification of the vessels, the chalice with the paten, a ciborium, if necessary, and, finally, the corporal, the purificator, the pall, and the Missal. Recently a Latter-day Saint woman shared the following story with me. [109] Cf. 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. The flag can be displayed routinely in other parts of the church campus not devoted to the worship of God. It is appropriate that such a cross, which calls to mind for the faithful the saving Passion of the Lord, remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations." It is important to remember that the Christian flag originated almost a hundred years ago in churches that usually did not display a cross in the sanctuary other than the white cross on the blue field of the Christian flag. These are:The Bread, representing Christs body (Mat. ROME, 17 June 2014 (ZENIT) Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. Heres what their counterparts from 11 different countries have to say in 2021. It is desirable that such a cross should remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations, so as to call to mind for the faithful the saving Passion of the Lord. To read more about the Churchs teachings on cremation, garments, beards, and more, click here. Before Elder F. Enzio Busche of the Seventy joined the Church, he was hospitalized with a serious liver infection. Suicidethere are no words that describe the anguish that word brings to those affected by it. Should We Display a Cross in the Church Building? - News Decatur 1:22Heb. The cross of Christ occurs 22 times (tree, 4 times) in the New Testament:Mat 27:32, 40, 42Mark 15:21, 30, 32Luke 23:26John 19:17, 19, 25, 31Acts 5:30 (tree); 10:39 (tree); 13:29 (tree)1 Cor. The blessing of what happened on the cross is witnessed in our behavior, our families, and our standards. 12:21 Pet. Our workforce began working from home permanently in 2020. 5:11; 6:12, 14Eph. Heres why. During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this time of year, without expressing in anticipation the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. It is also an issue that we, as elders, would not make a war over. Many years ago, I visited a rocky hillside in Jerusalem that some scholars believe is the site of Jesus' crucifixion. Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction, Eucharisticum mysterium, May 25, 1967. no. An altar, whether fixed or movable, should be dedicated according to the rite prescribed in the Roman Pontifical; but it is permissible for a movable altar simply to be blessed. But because the Savior lives, we do not use the symbol of His death as the symbol of our faith.. It was a custom to shroud or cover the crosses and statues in a church with purple or red cloth. To be clear: No Church statement has ever encouraged Latter-day Saints wear or display crosses. Charles C. Overton, the superintendent of the Sunday school at Brighton Chapel on Coney Island in New York, had designated an event called Rally Day for Sunday, September 26, 1897. A visual cross does not convey any of thisespecially a sanitized cross of 21st century American society. but held that a display on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol was permissible.14 Footnote Van Orden v. 97-98: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 56 (1964), p. 899. As an elder and pastor, we made this decision a few years ago to do so in order to show our loyalty as citizens to the country of Jordan. 10:16; 11:25-29). From the ambo only the readings, the Responsorial Psalm, and the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet) are to be proclaimed; likewise it may be used for giving the Homily and for announcing the intentions of the Universal Prayer. Yes, I agree with displaying the flag of my country in the church. To sum it up, we in American wisely separate church and state. These are:The Bread, representing Christs body (Mat. 7:9) who gathers people around his person through the Spirit of Pentecost. First, lets discuss the viewpoints of early Church members to give some context. What does Scripture command us to remember, reflect upon, or discern as an act of worship?We are told to remember Christs body and blood in Luke 22:19 and 1 Cor. The Meaning of the Cross for Latter-day Saints - The Church of Jesus I worship and serve as a pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto, Ontario. 316. 1. Understanding the multifaceted meanings of the cross can help us feel more love for Jesus and more deeply feel His love for us. Again, our worship is Word-based not visual-based. I strongly believe that each church building should post the flag on the building and in the sanctuary. Jennifer Gregory Miller Jennifer G. Miller, Activity Source: Original Text (JGM) by Jennifer Gregory Miller, Copyright 2003-2022 by Jennifer Gregory Miller. . Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction, Inter Oecumenici, September 26, 1964, no. . 308 requires the use of a "cross, with the figure of Christ crucified upon it, either on the altar or near it, where it is clearly visible to the assembled congregation. In a 1975 conference talk, President Gordon B. Hinckley explained the Churchs institutional practice of not having crosses in our buildings, but he did not directly discourage individuals from wearing or displaying crosses. 57: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 59 (1967), p. 569; Rituale Romanum, De sacra Communione et de cultu mysterii eucharistici extra Missam, editio typica, 1973, no. The dignity of the ambo requires that only a minister of the word should stand at it. Apparently they will be unveiled on Saturday, March 26, 2005, at the Easter Vigil. 9; Code of Canon Law, can. 304. 91: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 56 (1964), p. 898. He and his wife, Lani, have six children. Whether we wear it, display it, or just think about it, the cross can, and should, draw us nearer to the one who hung on it. Its bad. The grandma was also told by an adult church member, You shouldnt wear that necklace at our church.. [114]Cf. The faithful and the schola cantorum (choir) shall have a place thatfacilitates their active participation.[113]. The chair of the Priest Celebrant must signify his function of presiding over the gathering and of directing the prayer. 880-899. The mother also froze, feeling unsure out how to respond. It is well known that even before becoming Pope, Benedict XVI advocated the use of a sizable crucifix upon the altar itself as a means of establishing what he called a liturgical east or a means of focusing priest and faithful on the central mystery of redemption made present at Mass and symbolized by the crucifix. These churches say there's nothing in the Bible that tells us that the image of the cross has any power to it. 2833 Danville Road SW The beard debate has continued for decades, but aside from missionary standards and the BYU beard policy, little has been officially said on the topic. Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes, The Path of the Disciple: Imagining a New Reality "Another priest suggested having an altar crucifix designed with a figure on both sides. 11:24-29.Nowhere in the Bible are we told to remember the cross, or tree, on which Christs body hung, as an act of worship.Therefore, if there were a need to display a physical symbol during worship, logic would make it a crucifix, which has the body of Christ on it, not just a bare wooden cross. As the Evangelical Free Church council, we have taken the decision to put the Jordanian flag in all local churches that belong to the council along with the church logo and flag. Crosses were displayed at the funerals of prominent Church members such as Eliza R. Snow and John Taylor,1 and even Latter-day Saint church buildings sometimesthough rarelyfeatured crosses, a practice that continues to the current day.2, Early photographs indicate that prominent Latter-day Saint men and women wore jewelry featuring the cross, including Amelia Folsom Young, wife of Brigham Young; and Nabby Young Clawson, Brigham Youngs daughter (see image below).3. Decatur, AL 35603 The cross of Christ occurs 22 times (tree, 4 times) in the New Testament:Mat 27:32, 40, 42Mark 15:21, 30, 32Luke 23:26John 19:17, 19, 25, 31Acts 5:30 (tree); 10:39 (tree); 13:29 (tree)1 Cor. Which flag could represent this global and multicultural church? It is a cardinal tenet of our faith that our loyalty to Christ comes above all earthly loyalties. Its not for lack of patriotism; every Christian has duties as a citizen, including giving honor to one of the symbols of their nation. 298. Most often we then put out another cross somewhere on the stage, but now and then we forget and no cross is displayed on the stage. She lived in the southern United States and invited a neighbor of another faith to attend her daughters baptism. Starting July 6, 45 original Minerva Teichert paintings will be on display and open to the public at the Church History Museum. The flag is most symbolic. [112] Cf. A friend of mine is looking for articles discussing whether it is acceptable or not to have a cross in a church. There God reconciled sinners to Himself through the propitiatory sacrifice of His own Son. Heres how. In the upper corner is a blue square, the color of the unclouded sky, emblematic of heaven, the home of . Thirdly, we believe we need to be biblically sensitive to our Christian brethren who were converted out of Roman Catholicism. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Do any Scriptures authorize the display or use of physical symbols other than these during worship to help us remember Christs death on the cross?There are none. But I do know that I am wrong about some things and I could be wrong in this case. In the 1950s a shift began to take place in how some Church members viewed the cross. Why you'll want an iPhone 15 Pro this year-even if you've never bought Common as this practice is, there seems to be no way to display both flags together that does not dishonor one flag or the other. At the same time, if we as members insist that the cross must exclusively represent a dying Jesus Christ, we ignore the fact that this symbol, like so many others, is multifaceted: symbols permit, even invite, layers of meaning. All these elements, even though they must express the hierarchical structure and the diversity of functions, should nevertheless bring about a close and coherent unity that is clearly expressive of the unity of the entire holy people. But for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the living Christ. He continued, The lives of our people must become the only meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship.19. Using it in the church could be seen by many, especially elders, as an aberration, and loaded with political connotations. Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The main reason is that the church is the prophetic voice of the state, not the pole to hold its flag. We believe that by doing so, we are a good example and testimony to others and also following the teachings of the Bible. Praying for America is also praying for them. 10 Things You Should Know about the Cross Come Monday, there are usually a few people who are saddened and angered that no cross was displayed on Sunday morning. In the same article in which he wrote that the wearing of crosses is to most Latter-day Saints in very poor taste, President Joseph Fielding Smith nonetheless acknowledged that for many religious people, the symbol could be helpful: We have never questioned the sincerity of Catholics and Protestants for wearing the cross, or felt that they were doing something which was wrong. He continued, The motive for such a custom by those who are of other churches, we must conclude, is a most sincere and sacred gesture. The People of God which is gathered for Mass is coherently and hierarchically ordered, and this finds its expression in the variety of ministries and the variety of actions according to the different parts of the celebration. The altar is to be covered with at least one white cloth. [123]Cf. Then he takes his place in the sanctuary. The season after Easter is one of living the implications of the Resurrection. The reason its representative power is limited is because it is only an earthly symbol. We even decorate the church with red and white decorations and hold a special service on August 17 or on the closest Sunday. Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction, Eucharisticum mysterium, May 25, 1967, no. I am a Christian, a husband to Aileen, and a father to two girls in their teens and one son who is waiting for me in heaven. When searching general conference talks and other published writings of General Authorities,13 I have been able to locate only three statements that speak about wearing or displaying crosses, although none of them are from official Church publications. In Latter-day Saint culture, R has become the scarlet letter of the movie rating law. Should We Have Flags in the Church? But when the flag is displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium elsewhere than in the chancel or on the platform, it shall be placed in the position of honor at the right of the congregation or audience as they face the chancel or platform. Furthermore, great attention is to be paid whatever is directly associated with the altar and the eucharistic celebration, e.g., the altar cross and the cross carried in procession.". However, we continue to have leadership offices, meeting rooms, and The Upper Room Chapel at 1908 Grand Avenue, in Nashville. 5:11; 6:12, 14Eph. That event is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Halloweenthat confusing mix of eeriness, morbidity, candy, trick-or-treating, and family fun. For information about our privacy practices, please read our Privacy Policy page. But we should be clear that this does not represent the kingdom of God. I also fly the American flag in the church sanctuary because I really love America. I would say that it is probably better to distinguish the procession of the relic of the True Cross with a shrine of its own containing the reliquary. the error of baptismal regeneration and Romes exaltation of the mass). Do we worship better when it is there? 10:16; 1 Cor. The purpose of raising the flag is to keep my heart united with my people in prayer for the salvation of their souls. An exception would be a Mass in English in countries with other languages. It is not that the cross is not important; rather, the cross is a symbol and sign in its own right just as is the Communion Table. Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD - LIVE NOW: HOLY MASS 9:30AM | Sunday, July 09 7:41 Cor. Editor's note: This article is part of a series on what the Church has actually taught about various topics. Hence the general arrangement of the sacred building must be such that in some way it conveys the image of the assembled congregation and allows the appropriate ordering of all the participants, as well as facilitating each in the proper carrying out of his function. Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction, Inter Oecumenici, September 26, 1964, no. Must a crucifix be present at the altar for the Mass to be valid? [131] Cf. The George Cross medal The cross on which Jesus was executed 2000 years ago has been a symbol for his followers from very early on. 90: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 56 (1964), p. 897; Instruction, Eucharisticum mysterium, May 25, 1967, no. It will help you learn to structure your life to do the most good to the glory of God. An altar is said to be fixed if it is so constructed as to be attached to the floor and not removable; it is said to be movable if it can be displaced. A new line about the sacrament was added to the Church Handbook in 2020. However, some people in the Salt Lake Valley opposed the monument. Fourthly, historically, the cross was a means of gruesome execution. Therefore, if there were a need to display a physical symbol during worship, logic would make it a crucifix, which has the body of Christ on it, not just a bare wooden cross. Should We Display a Cross in the Church Building? Even we humans expect penalties to be paid for offenses, violations and wrongs. And again, context and imputed purpose made the difference. Gods righteous justice was satisfied. That was an article written by Pastor Jeff Smith of Trinity Baptist Church, Montville, NJ (I do not have a link to the article as it was emailed to me). He wrote, On the wall of my [hospital] room was a cross with the crucified Christ on it. To unlock this article for your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. Clearly, we should follow the counsel of living prophets, seers, and revelators; however, we should remember that specific practices and applications can shift over time. It reminds us of our responsibilities as Christian citizens. 303. During Lent it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers. 24: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 59 (1967), p. 554. Answer: Thank you for your inquiry concerning the use of American and Christian flags in church sanctuaries. For the celebration of the Eucharist, the People of God are normally gathered together in a church or, if there is no church or if it is too small, then in another respectable place that is nonetheless worthy of so great a mystery. I told them, Please continue to wear your necklaces. The crucifix may be suspended over the altar or affixed to the sanctuary wall. Our hearts are to be taken up in worship of our Triune God through the Word in the power of the Holy Spirit without the use of any aids. I have now blogged for 7,195 consecutive days. No. In the 21st century, we have started to see some Church leaders commenting positively on the influence that crucifixion imagery can have. The Easter Cross Witness seeks to be a catalyst for all of the branches of the church to come together in unity to jointly testify to the single most important event in history. (j) When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street. I realize that most people probably do not use the visual symbol of the cross as an aid to worship. Why do we need a cross in our churches? 307. The sanctuary is the place where the altar stands, the Word of God is proclaimed, and the Priest, the Deacon, and the other ministers exercise their functions. Between Gethsemane and the empty Garden Tomb stands the Saviors sacrifice on the cross. But we are not left to guess what physical symbols we should use in worship. When these visual ordinances have been abused and distorted, Gods Word and ways have been abused and distorted (i.e. The altar, on which is effected the Sacrifice of the Cross made present under sacramental signs, is also the table of the Lord to which the People of God is convoked to participate in the Mass, and it is also the center of the thanksgiving that is accomplished through the Eucharist. The Deaf Branch chapel in Ogden, Utah, with one of several crosses along the exterior walls highlighted and enlarged. During Christian services, the focus of the worship is on Christ, his gospel, and the symbols of Gods presence. For example, Elder Edward Dube of the Seventy has said that one of the defining moments in his life occurred when he was pondering an image of the Crucifixion in a Catholic church in his native country of Zimbabwe when he was 10 years old.21 For Elder Dube, viewing the image of Christ on the cross was a moving, spiritual experience. Just as we have had for the last few years, we expect a standard iPhone 15 in regular and Plus sizes (6.1 and 6.7 inches, though slimmer bezels may make the displays ever-so-slightly larger), and . 900-918. PDF Are flags appropriate in church? [125] Moreover, it is appropriate that before it is put into liturgical use, the tabernacle be blessed according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual. First, as far as the choice of flags is concerned, should we display the flags of all 193 countries recognized by the UN in order not to discriminate against anyone? A look at current, official Church publications shows that very little has been said about wearing the cross, either in favor of the practice or against it. In accordance with the structure of each church and legitimate local customs, the Most Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a tabernacle in a part of the church that is truly noble, prominent, conspicuous, worthily decorated, and suitable for prayer. We post it here as a resource for your church. This article has been selected from the ZENIT Daily Dispatch Innovative Media, Inc. ZENIT International News Agency Via della Stazione di Ottavia, 95 00165 Rome, Italywww.zenit.org, To subscribe http://www.zenit.org/english/subscribe.html or email: english-request@zenit.org with SUBSCRIBE in the "subject" field, Provided Courtesy of: Eternal Word Television Network 5817 Old Leeds Road Irondale, AL 35210www.ewtn.com, HOME - EWTNews - FAITH - TELEVISION - RADIO - LIBRARY - MULTIMEDIAWHAT'S NEW - GENERAL - RELIGIOUS CATALOGUE - PILGRIMAGES - ESPAOL, EWTN | 5817 Old Leeds Rd. And Romans 14:23 whatsoever is not of faith is sin. . 940; Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction, Eucharisticum mysterium, May 25, 1967, no. How God pursued me even when I was certain Id already found truth. Decorating the Sanctuary Church leaders wandering past the cross. Religious Displays on Government Property When praying Stations of the Cross in church, either the entire assembly or just a small group of people move from station to station. Tagged: church 25 Is the New 45 Fortuitous Bouncing Reckoner 12 years ago In no way should any of the other things be forgotten which are prescribed by law concerning the reservation of the Most Holy Eucharist. It is appropriate that before being put into liturgical use a new ambo be blessed according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Fax (256) 350-8148. 296. 92: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 56 (1964), p. 898. This is also understood in the U.S. bishops' document "Built of Living Stones" regarding church furnishings: "The Cross91. The ground is white, representing peace, purity, and innocence. Most churches do have a cross as a symbol of their faith. Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction, Musicam sacram, March 5, 1967, no. 2:24 (tree), The physical body of Christ occurs 26 times in New Testament:Mat. He recounts: While I was serving in a bishopric, a family got baptized. Leading Up: How to Thrive as a Millennial Leader, A Few Housekeeping Matters Tanya Logan, No, Christians Aren't Idolizing Family, But The Perpetual Spring Break. National flags have not been adopted in general until the European maritime expansion and nationalistic movement in recent centuries. Illustration by Mallory Rentsch / Source Images: Anthony Choren / Karl Fredrickson / Joseph Pearson / Unsplash. Should We Display a Cross in the Church Building? - Articles Decatur
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