The Cross and Latter-day Saints: A Symbol of Faith in Uniform for LDS Chaplains

As a Latter-day Saint, you might have heard that we don’t use the cross as a symbol in our worship or decorations. While it’s true that you won’t find crosses adorning our chapels or temples, the relationship between Latter-day Saints and the cross is more nuanced than many realize. A perfect example of this can be seen in the uniforms of LDS military chaplains, who proudly display the cross as part of their official attire.

LDS chaplains in the military wear the cross on their uniform as a universal symbol of Christian faith. This practice clearly demonstrates that displaying or wearing a cross is not forbidden for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s a misconception that Latter-day Saints are prohibited from using the cross as a personal symbol of faith.

The reason for this official use of the cross by LDS chaplains is practical: in a military setting, the cross serves as an immediately recognizable symbol of Christianity. It allows service members of all Christian denominations to quickly identify a chaplain who can provide spiritual support and counseling.

This official sanction of the cross for LDS chaplains reveals several important points:

1. The Church recognizes the cross as a universal Christian symbol.
2. There is no doctrinal prohibition against Latter-day Saints using or displaying the cross.
3. The Church is willing to adopt widely recognized symbols when it serves a greater purpose, such as ministering to a diverse group of people.

While the Church itself doesn’t use the cross in its official iconography, preferring to focus on symbols of the living Christ rather than the instrument of His death, individual members are free to decide whether they want to display or wear a cross as a personal expression of their faith.

The example of LDS chaplains wearing the cross reminds us that our faith is adaptable and practical. It shows that while we have our own unique practices and symbols, we also share common ground with other Christian denominations.

In conclusion, the next time someone claims that Latter-day Saints are forbidden from using the cross, you can point to our military chaplains as evidence to the contrary. Their uniforms serve as a powerful reminder that the cross, while not a central symbol in our worship, is still respected as a representation of Christ’s sacrifice and the broader Christian faith to which we belong.