MORMONS AND THE CROSS The cross, perhaps the most potent and ubiquitous symbol in Christendom, has been essentially rejected as a symbol by the LDS Church. Mormons do not wear crosses, and no Mormon chapel or temple is adorned with a cross. For other Christians, who see the cross as the very emblem of Christ’s mission and gospel, this is a scandal and one of the reasons they consider Mormons non-Christian. This session examines the cross in Mormon scripture and history, explores the reasons for the Mormon rejection of the symbolic cross, and considers the implications of this rejection for the Church, especially in light of its wish to be considered a Christian church and to find greater common cause with other Christians.

ROBERT A. REES and CHUCK SCHOFIELD