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A pectoral cross (from the Latin pectoralis, of the chest) is a cross, usually large, suspended from the neck by a cord or chain. Most pectoral crosses are made of precious metals (platinum, gold or silver) and some contain precious or semi-precious gems. In many Christian denominations, it is a sign that the person wearing it is a member of the clergy and in many Western churches it signifies that the person is a member of the higher or senior clergy; however in many Western churches, the laity may also wear a pectoral cross.

While many Christians, both clergy and laity, wear crosses, the pectoral cross is distinguished by both its size (up to six inches across) and that it is worn in the center of the chest below the heart (as opposed to just below the collarbones).

Historically, many pectoral crosses were (and often still are) reliquaries with alleged fragments of the True Cross, though this was by no means universal, because of the obvious lack of enough fragments of this relic.

Contents 1 Roman Catholic practice 2 Anglican practice 3 Protestant practice 4 Orthodox practice

In the Roman Catholic Church a pectoral cross is one of the pontificals used by the Pope, cardinals, archbishops and bishops. Various popes have entended this privilege to abbots, abbesses and some cathedral canons.

A pectoral cross is worn with both clerical suites or religious habits and when attending liturgical or civil functions. In a clerical suit, the pectoral cross is worn either hung around the neck so it remains visible or is placed in the left shirt or coat pocket so the chain is still visible but the cross is not.

If a cassock is worn, the pectoral cross is either suspended from the prelates neck and hangs free or is fastened to a front button with a special hook that is attached to the cross. The presence of a pectoral cross is useful to distinguish a bishop from a monsignor, since they wear similar cassocks.

In choir dress that is when he wears a cassock, rochet and mozzetta, the pectoral cross is usually suspended by a cord of silk; green and gold for an archbishop or a bishop and red and gold for a cardinal. An abbot, abbess and canon would use a black silk cord.

Bishops wear a pectoral cross during Mass, though it is not visible. It is properly worn — with cord — over the alb, but under the chasuble. In practice many bishops wear their pectoral cross over their chasuable suspended either by a chain or a silk cord.

If clerics who do not possess episcopal character wish to wear a pectoral cross, it is presumed that they are free to wear it under their clothes, so as not to confuse them with bishops. Again in practice some clergy who are not prelates do wear a pectoral crosses.

The widespread use of pectoral crosses has been revived in the Anglican Communion, and is usually limited to bishops. However, other clergy occasionally wear crosses around their necks, but their appearance and form are generally more modest so as not to confuse them with bishops (who also generally wear purple or mauve shirts). Similarly, lay members of the Anglican Church are not forbidden to wear pectoral crosses as such, and this practice is becoming more popular amongst the laity- although some feel a pectoral cross is too dramatic for street wear.

In recent years, Protestant churches have returned to more traditional ceremonial dress from either the Roman, Orthodox or Anglican tradition. Pectoral crosses are worn by clergy in many denominations, and occasionally by choristers and/or liturgical assistants. Generally speaking, only prelates will wear a gold cross suspended with a chain when wearing ceremonial garments or when wearing a suit, in one's left pocket over the heart. Clergy who are not bishops usually wear a silver cross suspended by a cord (usually black). In some denominations the colour of the cord refers to a specific position held in that denomination.

In Orthodox practice,the pectoral cross is worn by all bishops, but not necessarily by all priests. In the Greek tradition, the pectoral cross is given for faithful service; in the Russian tradition, the silver cross is automatically awarded to all priests at their ordination. Further pectoral crosses, in gold or "with decorations" — that is, jewelled — may also be awarded to higher ranked priests. The highest award that can be given to a priest is a second pectoral cross (i.e., the priest may wear two pectoral crosses). A priest who has been given the pectoral cross will typically wear it at all times, whether vested or not. All bishops are entitled to wear the pectoral cross with decorations, although most simply wear a Panagia when not vested for services.

Abbots (even if not priests) and Abbesses are also entitled to wear a pectoral cross.