St Thomas cross is an idle symbol of the Syro Malabar church. It is believed to be present in our churches from the 7th century. It is a decorated cross without the body of the Jesus. It symbolically reflects the basis of our Catholic belief, that is the resurrection of the Jesus. But those who are ignorant of these facts are trying to protest for placing the crucifix in our alters. Here is the circular from Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Archbishop of Changanachery, explaining the Theology of the 'Sleeva' or St. Thomas Cross in the oriental perspective.
