Controversies Crucifix

unlike many other protestants, lutherans retained use of crucifix, martin luther church in oberwiesenthal, germany


protestant reformation

early protestants rejected use of crucifix, , indeed unadorned cross, along other traditional religious imagery, idolatrous. martin luther did not object them, , among differences andreas karlstadt 1525. @ time of reformation, luther retained crucifix in lutheran church. when lutheranism came under influence of calvinism in united states plain cross came used. calvin violently opposed both cross , crucifix. in england, royal chapels of elizabeth unusual among local churches in retaining crucifixes, following queen s conservative tastes. these disappeared under successor, james i, , brief re-appearance in 1620s when james heir seeking spanish marriage subject of rumour , close observation both catholics , protestants; when match fell through disappeared.

modern

in 2005, mother accused daughter s school in derby, england, of discriminating against christians after teenager suspended refusing take off crucifix necklace.

a british prison ordered multi-faith chapel remove crucifixes, presumably avoid offending muslims.

in 2008 in spain, local judge ordered crucifixes removed public schools settle decades-old dispute on whether crucifixes should displayed in public buildings in non-confessional state.

a 2008 quebec government-commissioned report recommended crucifix of national assembly removed achieve greater pluralism, liberal government supported in refusal consensus of legislators.

on 18 march 2011, european court of human rights ruled in lautsi v. italy case, requirement in italian law crucifixes displayed in classrooms of state schools not violate european convention on human rights. crucifixes common in other italian official buildings, including courts of law.

on 24 march 2011, constitutional court of peru ruled presence of crucifixes in courts of law not violate secular nature of state.