Outlawing symbol of the essence of Christianity

I WISH to express my disappointment with the European Court of Human Rights for ruling that crucifixes should be removed from Italian public schools.

The crucifix is the sign of the Passion, but at the same time it is a sign of the Resurrection.

In the crucifix the whole essence of Christianity is summed up – it displays what is distinctively Christian.

It is also a symbol of universal love. The crucifix does not lead to any discrimination. It is the image of the Christian revolution which has spread the idea of equality between all men all over the world.

The realities believed in and hoped for are read into this visible image, but the image is more than a mere reflection – it is, in fact, an image in whose saving power one places one’s hope.

The most basic Christian gesture in prayer is, and always will be, the Sign of the Cross. It is a way of confessing Christ crucified with one’s very body. It is a visible and public “yes” to him who suffered for us. It is a confession of faith, a confession of hope.

Paul Kokoski

Columbia Drive

Hamilton

Ontario

Canada L9C 3Y9