Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 4/9/2009

Question
do baptists ever give the sign of the cross either at church or any other function

Answer
Hello Larry,
Thank you for your question. I ought to explain that I am an English Baptist Pastor based in England so the situation here may be a bit different to the USA.
As all Baptist Churches are independent (although most choose to affiliate to a larger group)there is quite a large diversity of practice amongst Baptists in many areas. In England I am aware of a very few Baptist Churches that give the sign of the cross on some occasions, the chief one being the communion service. However this is rare. I expect the same is true in the US.
I am uncertain as to why it is not a common practice but is liekly to have its roots in a strong desire to move from anything that could be used as a superstition and anything that is not explained or self explanatory.
In the Roman Catholic Churches and Episcopalian Churches it is the priests who ususally bless in this way and the sign is often used in part as an expression of priesthood. Baptists do not bleieve in a separate priesthood and so may have shunned the practice for that reason as well.
I hope these comments are of some help.
May God bless you.
Stuart Woodward