Soldiers of the Cross Church
The Evangelical International Church of the Soldiers of the Cross of Christ (also known as the Soldiers of the Cross Church but unrelated to Arnold Murray and Roy Gillaspie's organizations) was organized in the early 1920s by an American businessman named Ernest William Sellers, who began holding evening religious services at his place of business in Havana, Cuba. After receiving a visit from a stranger named George Smith, Sellers was persuaded to organize a more active effort to evangelize Cuba with what he considered to be the proper understanding of the Bible. Sellers enthusiastically recruited and sent missionaries throughout the island of Cuba, and served as the church’s spiritual leader during the remainder of his life.
After Sellers' death, the church spread to other nations in Central and South America, and eventually relocated its headquarters to Miami, Florida, from where it currently operates.
Structure
The Soldiers of the Cross of Christ Church is known for the distinctive white uniforms worn by its ministers. Early in its history, the church was organized in a highly hierarchical fashion by its founder, Sellers. The church conferred upon Sellers, and later on his successors, the rank of Apostle. All other ministers are assigned a missionary rank which they display on the sleeves of their church uniforms. Duties and authorities vary according to rank, and every minister must take new vows upon being promoted to a new rank. Currently, the church is governed by a Supreme Council that is made up of bishops, and presided over by Miguel Rodriguez, the Apostle-Director of the church.
Beliefs and practices
The Soldiers of the Cross of Christ Church has many core beliefs in common with mainline Messianic, Evangelical and Catholic churches. However, there are many important areas of difference. For example, they observe the biblical seventh day Sabbath of the week (Saturday) and keep kosher, biblical God law dietary regulations, more closer than even the Messianic Church. They believe in God Father, Jesus Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Bible as the only guide book and in gifts of the Spirit and prophecy. The church has strict guidelines for its members regarding appropriate dress and adornment both in and outside of church services, including restrictions on the wearing of jewelry, makeup, and sexy clothing. Church doctrine also advocates a strict interpretation like Moses and Jesus of the second [ten commandments) commandment forbids any photographic or artistic representation of God's creation as the second commandment established. The evidence of this practice rests in the museum in Jerusalem, Israel until today. They also believe and practice the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
From its earliest years, the church has allowed women to participate in ministry. Although women are barred from the highest ranks in the church hierarchy, they are actively involved in missionary work, they preach from the church pulpit, and have often held the office of pastor.
The church took a stance in early 2014 against people who sympathize with the Hebrew Roots movement. All members who practice the feasts of the Lord, as ordained in the Old Testament, have been stripped of membership, with no exception. The church states that it wants to maintain doctrinal integrity and uniformity.
Criticism
Critics from outside[1] the organization have sharply questioned some of the church's practices. Writers at an independent group blog [2] have suggested changes to church policies they consider to be too strict, such as the prohibition of automobile use on Sabbath day by the missionary of the Church. The church, however, rejects such criticisms, based on the fact that its leaders are directly guided by God and have the authority and responsibility to create rules to protect the well-being of its members.
Notes
References
- The Encyclopedia of American Religions: Vol. 1. By J. Gordon Melton. Tarrytown, NY: Triumph Books (1991) (page 281). ISBN 0-7876-6384-0
- The Last Days' Messenger Collection: Vol. 2 Ed. Buenaventura Luis Pino. Soldiers of the Cross Church, 1994.