Shrouded Cross
The Shrouded Cross is a cross adorned with the burial shroud draped over the cross, left behind when Christ rose from the dead
Shrouded Cross
Also known as the Draped Cross, Empty Cross, Risen Cross or Resurrection Cross
Shrouded Cross
The Shrouded Cross is a cross adorned with the burial shroud draped over the cross, left behind when Christ rose from the dead. (As we all know, Christ rose from a tomb, not from the cross, therefore the cloth shroud would be more accurately depicted inside the tomb. See also Enshrined Cross.) Sometimes other items are added to the cross, such as nails and/or a footrest (suppedaneum).
It is also referred to as an Empty or Resurrection Cross to emphasise that whilst Jesus died on the cross, that was not the end. In contrast to the crucifix, favoured by Catholic and Orthodox churches, which shows an image of Jesus on the cross, the Empty Cross is favoured by Protestant, low Anglican and Episcopal churches. A plain Latin Cross, or any other cross, without an image of Jesus can also be referred to as an Empty Cross even if there is no shroud present.
Protestants do not deny that Jesus was crucified. Just as Catholics are fully aware that Jesus rose from the tomb, Protestants are fully aware of the significance of the crucifix. It symbolises Christ's death for mankind. It conveys the message of atonement1, propitiation2, and redemption3.
The Shrouded Cross signifies not only the message of the crucifix, it also signifies the future hope of believers. After Jesus died on the cross, he was buried in a tomb4 but He did not stay there5. Hundreds of people saw Him6 before ascending to Heaven7 where He continues to look after us8.
The shroud is also symbolised by the altar cloth. This is invariably pure white linen and covers the top of the altar, extending downward on both sides.
The Empty Cross should not be confused with the Voided Cross, which is a name given to the outline of a cross in heraldry.
See also the Robed Cross and Arms of Christ Cross
1 Christ's atonement: Romans 5:8-11
2 Christ's propitiation: Romans 3:23-26
3 Christ's redemption: Galatians 3:13-14
4 Christ's burial: Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42
5 Christ's resurrection: Luke 24:1-7
6 Christ's witnesses: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
7 Christ's ascension: Acts 1:8-11
8 Christ's promise: John 14:1-3
