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The
Christian Cross lighting Ceremony
The cross
lighting ceremony is another example of how the national
media distorts the Klan image. They purposely use the word
"burn" because of the negative image that is conjured
up in the minds of many people. To them it is a desecration, a desire to destroy the cross.
And any attempt by hoodlums to use the lighted cross as a symbol of hate or a
threat is strictly NOT advocated by The Knights. These acts are cowardly
and counter productive and are usually the actions of folks who watch too much
late night television or Hollywood movies. Serious patriotic men and women never
lower themselves to use the sacred cross in such a manner!
And
we should also point out that often "cross burnings" or other types of
threatening actions including graffiti are often the acts of disturbed blacks,
Asians, non-white Hispanics, homosexuals, or Jews who use the publicity for fund
raising, to bolster sought after legislation, or even insurance scams!
The
Knights definitely does not burn the cross, but we do light the
cross. The lighted cross of The Knights is no different than the
average church that has a lighted cross either on top or in front
of their church building. The light of the cross symbolizes the Light
of Christ dispelling darkness and ignorance. It is the
fire of the cross that reminds us of the cleansing
"fire" of Christ that cleanses evil from our land. The
fiery cross is a symbol that has long been popular with the
Christian faith, for example the Methodist denomination uses the
fiery cross as their symbol.
In
fact, it is because the founder of the Klan of the 1920's was a Methodist
minister that the Klan adopted the practice. The lighted cross was not
used until that time and was most certainly NOT used during the reconstruction
period following the civil war!
We don't
burn the cross, we Light the cross. We recognize
that Christ is the light of the world.
The lighted cross
is a symbol of freedom - freedom from sin - freedom from tyranny. When a
Klansman or Klanswoman participates in a cross lighting ceremony they are making
a public declaration to Jesus Christ of their continued commitment to the
Christian faith.
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enforcement officers
