1 Corinthians 1:18
18 The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Our recent Holy Cross commemoration Sunday caused me to think more about the history of the Pectoral Cross that is worn by the Bishop of this Synod, and to share some of its history with you. This cross is the central symbol of this Office and has been passed down and worn by every South Carolina bishop since Dr. Karl Kinard, (whose title at that time was President of the Synod). This Pectoral Cross is unique; crafted specifically for the South Carolina Synod and presented to Dr. Kinard on April 22, 1969.
On Installation Day in October 2020 when Bishop Yoos placed the Cross around my neck, I learned two things. The immediate thing that I learned is that it is quite heavy, perhaps representing the weight of the Office of Bishop. I feel that weight every time I put the Cross around my neck. It keeps me grounded and helps me focus on Jesus’ presence with me in both the joys and the challenges that the ministry as Bishop brings. I also learned that this Cross has quite a history in design that comes with it. As we consider the teachings of Holy Cross Day, and our focus on Jesus for new life, it seems like a good time to share some background information that was given to me when I first received the Cross. The author of this information is not listed, but this information is passed down with the Cross to each bishop.
The South Carolina Synod Bishop’s Cross is a Celtic design with Latin dimensions in white gold over a slightly larger cross of yellow gold. The Chi Rho symbol (Greek letters for Christ) appears as a raised design at the intersection of the cross and has a star ruby centered on it.
The Celtic cross incudes a circle, symbol of eternity, connecting the four arms. Radiating from the cross are rays representing the fronds of the Palmetto tree, and symbolic of South Carolina. The rays may also be interpreted as rays of divine light and the gold is symbolic of sacredness and divinity.
Four triangles at the end of each arm of the cross total 12 points to represent the apostles and each triangle is surmounted by a faceted ruby representing the four Evangelists. The five red jewels together symbolize the five wounds of Christ – hands, feet, and side.
The Cross was produced by R. Dems and Sons, Jewelers of Columbia and was designed by Mr. Donald D. Crawford, Assistant Director of the Columbia Museum and member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Columbia.
The plan and action to create this Pectoral Cross was brought to the Synod Executive Committee by A. James, Laughlin, Jr., Chair of the Synod’s Worship Committee. A Synod wide fellowship banquet was held on April 22, 1969 for the Cross to be revealed. Mr. Gaines O. Boone of Florence was Master of Ceremonies. The Rev. Dr. Robert J. Marshall, President of the Lutheran Church in America and The Rev. Dr. H. George Anderson, representing the Executive Board, presented the Pectoral Cross to The Rev. Dr. Karl Kinard.
It is my honor to wear this beautiful cross in service to this Synod and to have my name engraved on the back along with those of my faithful predecessors. It will be my honor to pass it on to the next bishop at their Installation in 2026. As we plan for the 2026 Synod Assembly we are all aware that there will be an election of the next bishop, and several of you have surmised that I do not intend to stand for re-election. It has been my privilege to serve in Synod leadership since 2008; for two terms as Assistant to the Bishop, and in 2026, I will be completing my term as Bishop. Eighteen years feels like a full and faithful amount of time to serve in this leadership capacity, and it is the right time to step aside and make space for new leadership in our Synod. There have been so many joys in this ministry, primarily in getting to know and work beside you and all the amazing people of this Synod and the church around the world who are deeply passionate about sharing the truth and the love of Jesus for all God’s beloved children.
I remain excited about the Synod Vision and Mission and I am fully committed to working with our Synod Staff and Council to continue the journey of carrying out that Vision as I complete this term over the next 11 months. I am also committed to praying for the movement of the Holy Spirit in bringing forth the leader who is called next to this office. The two things on top of my list for the next year include offering resources and events to our Roster and Lay Leaders to build discipleship as part our work in carrying out our Vision and Mission, and preparing for a smooth transition that will take place next August.
Thank you for your partnership in this ministry of the wider church. I hope to see you out and about the Synod and I look forward to greeting you at the various events that will happen over the next several months. I invite you to join me in prayer for our ministry together and for the next leader who will be called to this office as Bishop of the South Carolina Synod.
In Christ,
+Bishop Ginny
