Women in Ministry Cross (large ornate)

2 15/16" x 1 3/4" - 74 x 45mm

Comes with a 30" black cord.

"Women in Ministry" is on the back of the cross celebrating the role of women in the Church in all of its many forms. The cross is in the Celtic style with the ring behind the cross. The center of the cross has a Passion Flower with all of its symbolism of Christ's passion at the cross. At the end of each arm of the cross is a design from the "Borestone of Gask" in Scotland. This design forms four hearts as it intertwines with a heart facing in each direction. The stone was used to cement contracts (primarily engagement vows) by each party putting a finger in the borehole and touching the other person while making the vow. This design was chosen because of its tradition with people making commitment. The two women in the bottom arm of the cross were inspired by Julian of Norwich (top) and her writing because women can give a whole new light on Scripture by sharing their understanding, and Hilda of Whitby (bottom)because she was recognized for her wisdom, her spirituality, her rightful use of the crosier of authority as Abbottess of a monastery of men and women, and her example as a Christian. The ring has names on it beginning with EVE on the lower right of the cross and continuing with DEBORAH, HANNAH, RUTH, ESTHER and the woman in Proverbs 31: 10 - 30. The ring continues with women from the New Testament - MARY, ANNA, the MAGDALENE, PRISCILLA, and DORCAS. The last panel has an icthus for the person wearing the cross - one who will carry on the tradition of serving the Church.