The United Church of God, following biblical instruction, does not use crosses or other religious objects as ornaments in its worship services. Neither do members wear crosses as symbols of devotion. We refer to the cross in the way that Scripture does—as the instrument of Christ’s execution and, in the context of something we look to as vital, as a figure of speech that means Christ’s atoning death for us (1 Corinthians 1:17; Galatians 6:12-14).

The second of God’s Ten Commandments strictly prohibits the use of physical representations in worship: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them” (Exodus 20:4-5). Moreover, the cross was a pagan religious symbol that long predated Christianity, and God tells us not to worship Him by such means (Deuteronomy 12:1-4; Deuteronomy 12:29-32).

Some United Church of God congregations, in trying to best serve congregational needs, do meet in rented halls that have symbols and other decorations placed there by the landlord that we ourselves do not condone—whether it be a cross in a church, a moose head at a Moose Lodge, stained-glass windows, portraits of religious figures, Masonic symbolism, a Christmas tree, or whatever else may be present. But in none of our worship services would we ever approve of breaking the Second Commandment or God’s rule against imitating pagan worship by showing reverence to such symbols.

Ezekiel 33:25 describes those who “lift up [their] eyes toward [their] idols.” The concept of “lifting up eyes” toward something implies that people are fixing their gaze and devotion to that object. To “lift up eyes” implies that they would be gazing at it with adoration, devotion or reverence. It does not describe merely seeing an idolatrous symbol, such as a cross hanging on a wall (or printed on the cover of a Bible, etc.). There’s a big difference between looking at something and looking to something.

The apostle Paul was often in public places with an abundance of idols, and he sometimes preached in those places. Acts 17:16 says: “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.” Then in verses 22 and 23 we read: “Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship . . . ’” (Acts 17:22-23)

Paul fully understood that “an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one” (1 Corinthians 8:4). Nevertheless he was sensitive to people struggling with conscience in trying to avoid idolatrous association—as we must be also. In United Church of God congregations we often cover up or move to another room any imagery that would distract or detract our attention from the Church’s purpose for meeting together. However that is not possible in all cases when renting from another owner.

We want to take into account the sensitivities of the members who meet together. If you have concerns about any such displays being present in a one of our local meeting halls, please feel free to discuss your concerns with the pastor in that area.

In conclusion, we do not feel it is wrong to meet in such halls where religious icons are displayed, but the Church does endeavor to cover up such icons where they are a distraction or, if needed, seek to rent other facilities if they are available.