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.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.We don’t burn the cross, we Light the cross. We recognize that Christ is the light of the world.The Klan adopted the fiery cross from the traditions of old Scotland where the fiery cross was used as a symbol against tyranny and often the hills of Scotland would be lit aglow with the lighted cross -the 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
