Praying with Protestants- Should you make the sign of the cross?

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sarac123

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Hey everyone! As someone who has many Protestant friends but is devoutly Catholic, I have often faced the dilemma when praying with my Protestant friends of whether or not to make the sign of the cross. Of course, I always make the sign of the cross when praying alone or with other Catholics, but I never know whether I should still do it when praying with Protestants. Particularly in instances where I may be leading the prayer, I don’t know if I should still make the sign of the cross or if that would be considered inconsiderate? And if others are leading the prayer and I’m in a group of protestants, should I make the sign of the cross at the beginning of their prayer? Not sure if there is a true yes or no answer to this or not, but if there is I would love to know! Thank you!
 
Don’t prevent yourself from being Catholic, do the sign of the cross when praying. Protestants do not do it, we won’t point the finger at them if they don’t. If you pray together you should at least respect each other.
 
Protestants also believe in the trinity so I have always been confused why they don’t do the sign of the cross.
 
Dolphin said:
Protestants also believe in the trinity so I have always been confused why they don’t do the sign of the cross.
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Many do.

Traditional Presbyterians do, Anglicans do, and many Lutherans do, at least.

The sign of the cross got thrown out by those descendants of Calvin who were utterly opposed to all physical aspects of religion – no symbols, no statues, no crosses, nothing. There are many who don’t do it who would have no problem with it were it properly explained to them.
 
Catholics make the sign of the cross, including around others who do not.

Non-Catholics are not expected to make the sign of the cross. They are expected to be tolerant of Catholics making it.

I think you should make it. It’s how we pray. If a Protestant doesn’t like it, then nobody is making him do it. Of course, if a Protestant wished to join in, that’s also fine.
 
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Why on earth would it be inconsiderate ?

As a Reformed minister, I’ve invited assemblies to cross themselves at the final blessing of services. Most did it happily.
 
Protestants also believe in the Cross of Calvary. No reason to hide it, in fact, explain the great history of this prayer!
 
I’m just wondering, what if you’re invited to a Protestant baptism, wedding or funeral, and it so happened that you’re the only Catholic there, will you still make the sign of the cross? To be honest, for courtesy’s sake, I wouldn’t. Cos’ I’ll just be going against the tide. And I definitely don’t want people to look at me as if trying to prove myself to be different (superior) from them. This is just my opinion.
 
What’s wrong with going against the tide. Why would it be an issue to cross yourself in those situations? You are different, you’re a Catholic. Would it be looked upon poorly if a Protestant at a Catholic baptism, wedding or funeral didn’t bless themselves?
 
St.Bede said:
To be honest, for courtesy’s sake, I wouldn’t. Cos’ I’ll just be going against the tide.
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As a Catholic, you’re supposed to be “going against the tide” and standing up for your faith.

I don’t think the saints went around foregoing the sign of the cross because a non-Catholic might get upset seeing them, unless perhaps they were trying to serve the Church underground and didn’t want to be captured or killed . If there’s no threat of imprisonment or death then we should not hide our faith under a bushel basket.
 
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As I said, that’s just my opinion. I’m not trying to impose that on anyone.

It’s called “Respect”, and we do practice it in our part of the world. Btw, I’m not from the west, so we may differ in culture and in our way of thinking. GOD bless!
 
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Our more Protestant leaning brethren tend to open and/or close prayers “in jesus’ name” so by adding on the extra two members of the Trinity during opening and/or closing really enforces the trinitarian nature of our religions.

A friend of mine found it an interesting and a nice idea to pray in the name of the whole Trinity, but felt the action of crossing ourselves was a little too formal and ceremonial (she experienced only ministers doing it during the close of their services)
 
I’d say it depends of your context. If there is generally acceptance between the two communities, I’d totally do it. As a Protestant, when I see someone cross themselves at a service, I simply think : maybe they’re Catholic. Or Lutheran. Or Reformed like me 😉
 
Yes or no depending on what the spirit is telling you. As it is a way to hear from the holy spirit. Gee God what is your truth in this situation. ? 1 cor14;25-27
 
I was invited to my aunt’s funeral last month, wherein all of my relatives who were there were Protestants. They know full well that I’m the Catholic, and yet, they still invited me out of love and respect. In order to avoid any hard feelings among us, I chose to do what the Roman’s do and maintain a harmonious relationship with them, rather than deliberately go against the norm and make a scene out of it, which may result in souring our relationship. Remember, these people are my relatives, so please be more considerate when judging others.
 
I wasn’t intending to be inconsiderate, I’m sorry !

I just meant that depending on what the ecumenical context in your country is, it might not be a problem at all. It isn’t where I live. That’s all I wanted to say 😉

I’m sorry for your aunt’s passing.
 
It’s okay. It’s not your fault. I just hope that some people could be more considerate and understanding of others. GOD is love. Love doesn’t cause division or discord, regardless of one’s faith and belief. We need to reflect on this in a deeper level. I rest my case. Shalom!
 
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