Why Mormons Don’t Wear Crosses, Explained

If you visit a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you might notice something surprising: there are no crosses on the building, no crucifixes on the walls, and most members don’t wear crosses as jewelry. Yet inside, the worship services center heavily on Jesus Christ: His teachings, His Atonement, and His Resurrection. So why don’t Mormons use the cross, one of Christianity’s most recognizable symbols?

The answer is rooted in a mix of history, culture, and doctrine, and it reveals a unique way that Latter-day Saints think about the symbol for Mormonism, and about Jesus Himself.

The Cross and Early Latter-day Saint Culture

Those who wonder are Mormons Christian may be interested to know that the cross hasn’t always been avoided in Latter-day Saint culture. In the Church’s early decades, members freely used it to express their reverence for Jesus. It appeared on gravestones, in church architecture, and as jewelry.

In 1916, Church leaders even proposed building a large cement cross on Ensign Peak, a hill overlooking Salt Lake City, as a memorial to the pioneers. The Presiding Bishop at the time, Charles Nibley, described it as a tribute to “the symbol of Christianity” and the faith of those who had settled the valley.

The idea received mixed reactions. Some thought it was a beautiful gesture of shared Christian identity, while others objected, arguing that the cross was too closely associated with Catholicism—a reflection of the widespread Protestant-Catholic tensions of that era. The proposal was eventually abandoned, and over time, the cross faded from Latter-day Saint use, leaving many to ask: are Mormons Christians?

By the mid-20th century, Church leaders began to speak more clearly about why the Church as an institution does not display the cross. In 1957, Church President David O. McKay described it as “purely Catholic” and not representative of Latter-day Saint faith. Later, in 1975, Gordon B. Hinckley stated, “the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the living Christ.”

Focusing on the Living Christ

The Church does not discourage individuals from wearing or displaying crosses—there are plenty of Latter-day Saints who do so. But as an institution, it places emphasis on symbols of the living, resurrected Christ.

When President Hinckley explained this to a Protestant minister who had asked about the symbol for Mormonism and the absence of the cross in a temple, he added that “the lives of our people must become the only meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship.”

In other words, rather than using an outward emblem to represent their Christianity, Latter-day Saints believe their discipleship—the way they live, serve, and follow Jesus—should be the most important evidence of their faith.

This focus doesn’t mean that Latter-day Saints minimize the crucifixion or Christ’s suffering on the cross. On the contrary, the Church teaches that Christ’s suffering on Calvary, combined with His agony in Gethsemane and His triumph in the Resurrection, form the central message of salvation.

As one Church leader wrote, “The Redeemer’s suffering on the cross is vitally important to us and is an inseparable part of the Atonement.” The difference lies in how that meaning is expressed. For Latter-day Saints, the true symbol of Christianity is found in transformed lives rather than in physical icons.

“Taking Up the Cross” — A Personal Symbol

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, an apostle in the Church, once explained that taking up the Christian cross daily means “denying ourselves the appetites of the flesh.” It’s an inward act of devotion rather than an outward sign.

This inward focus is woven deeply into Latter-day Saint teachings. Church leaders often remind members that “the Lord looketh on the heart” rather than outward appearance. Just as the Apostle Paul wrote that “the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal,” Latter-day Saints are taught to let their faith be shown through quiet devotion, service, and moral living.

A History of Evolving Meaning

When considering Christianity vs Mormonism, it’s worth remembering that the meaning of the cross itself has changed throughout Christian history. In the centuries after Jesus’ death, the cross was a sign of disgrace and execution. Only later did it become a symbol of glory, redemption, and victory.

Latter-day Saint history reflects that evolution in its own way. Early Church members like Eliza R. Snow and publications such as the Relief Society Magazine once spoke positively about “the triumphs of the cross.” Over time, however, the symbol became less central in Church art and architecture.

Today, many Latter-day Saints are rediscovering this part of their heritage. Scholars and Church educators have encouraged members to study the crucifixion more deeply, both to strengthen their own faith and to better understand other Christians.

John Hilton III, a professor of religion at Brigham Young University, observed that developing a greater appreciation for the Savior’s crucifixion can foster respect and unity among believers who want to know is Mormonism Christian. “Coming to a deeper knowledge of the Savior’s crucifixion,” he said, “will give us more love and awareness as we interact with hundreds of millions of Christians for whom the cross is the primary symbol of their belief.”

Bridging Faith Through Shared Belief

In the end, the question of why Latter-day Saints don’t wear or display crosses isn’t a rejection, but a different emphasis. The Church’s symbol for Mormonism reflects its desire to venerate not just Christ’s death, but His victory over death.

Latter-day Saints affirm with all other Christians that Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world. Their scriptures—including the Book of Mormon—bear witness that He “was lifted up upon the cross” so that He might “draw all men unto [Him].”

What sets them apart is the way they choose to symbolize that belief. For them, the truest emblem of faith is a life patterned after the Savior’s example.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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