
The nail cross is a Christian symbol of hope, friendship, reconciliation and peace. The cross represents the nails used to crucify Christ, and the suffering he endured. The Coventry Cross of Nails, made from medieval nails salvaged from Coventry Cathedral after it was bombed in 1940, is one of the most famous examples of this symbol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbol of | Christianity |
| Hope | |
| Friendship | |
| Reconciliation | |
| Peace | |
| Forgiveness | |
| Christ's suffering on the cross |
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What You'll Learn

The Coventry Cross of Nails
A nail cross is a Christian symbol of hope, friendship and reconciliation. It represents the nails used to crucify Christ. The Coventry Cross of Nails is made from three large medieval nails salvaged from Coventry Cathedral after it was bombed by the Germans in 1940. The original cross was made from two burnt roof beams that had fallen in the shape of a cross in the rubble and were bound together and placed where the altar had been.
In the following decades, several hundred crosses have been given as gifts to various organisations, including churches, charities, prisons, schools and other groups committed to peace and reconciliation. In 1976, recipients of the Cross of Nails formed an ecumenical 'Community of the Cross of Nails' (CCN). The Community of the Cross of Nails has three residing principles: healing the wounds of history, learning to live with difference and celebrate diversity, and building a culture of peace.
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The Cross of Nails as a symbol of hope and friendship
The Cross of Nails is a Christian symbol of hope and friendship, and of peace and reconciliation. The original Cross of Nails was made from three large medieval nails salvaged from Coventry Cathedral after it was bombed by the Germans in 1940. Two roof beams that had fallen in the shape of a cross were also bound together and placed where the altar had been.
The Cross of Nails represents the nails used to crucify Christ, and the form of the cross echoes the crucifixion of Christ, and the nails with which Christ was affixed to the cross. The Archbishop of Canterbury wears a Cross of Nails every day.
The Cross of Nails has been gifted to hundreds of churches, charities and organisations committed to peace and reconciliation. In 1976, recipients of the Cross of Nails formed an ecumenical ‘Community of the Cross of Nails’ (CCN). The Community of the Cross of Nails has three residing principles: healing the wounds of history, learning to live with difference and celebrate diversity, and building a culture of peace.
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The Cross of Nails as a symbol of peace and reconciliation
The Cross of Nails is a Christian symbol of hope, friendship, and reconciliation. The original version was made from three large medieval nails salvaged from Coventry Cathedral after it was bombed by the Germans on 14 November 1940, during the Second World War. The form of the cross echoes the crucifixion of Christ, and the nails with which Christ was affixed to the cross according to some accounts.
The Cross of Nails has been gifted to churches, charities, and organisations committed to peace and reconciliation. In 1976, recipients of the Cross of Nails formed an ecumenical 'Community of the Cross of Nails' (CCN), which has three residing principles: healing the wounds of history, learning to live with difference and celebrate diversity, and building a culture of peace.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin, wears a Cross of Nails every day. The nail cross is also a popular necklace, made by taking wire and wrapping four bent nails, which are then dipped in a clear coat.
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The Nail Cross as a symbol of Christianity
The Nail Cross is a symbol of Christianity. The cross represents the nails used to crucify Christ. The Christian cross is made from nails and is a symbol to those who have become followers of the reconciliation and peace that Christ brings to the heart and minds of His followers. These were given to organisations, especially churches, throughout the world as a symbol of forgiveness and a sign of hope.
The Coventry Cross of Nails is a Christian cross made from iron nails, employed as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. The original version was made from three large medieval nails salvaged from Coventry Cathedral after the building was severely damaged by German bombs on 14 November 1940, during the Second World War. In the following decades, several hundred crosses have been given as gifts to various organisations, including churches, prisons and schools. The form of the cross echoes the crucifixion of Christ, and the nails with which Christ was affixed to the cross according to some accounts.
The Cross of Nails quickly became a sign of hope, friendship and reconciliation. In September 1947, only just over two years after the end of the war, a Cross of Nails was presented to St Nikolai Church, Kiel, Germany. Over subsequent years, hundreds of crosses of nails have been gifted to churches, charities and organisations committed to peace and reconciliation.
The Passion Cross is named from the original meaning and refers to Christ's suffering on the cross – not just the obvious physical pain, nor from the mocking crowd, the humiliating crown of thorns, sign and robe. The real and immeasurable suffering was paying for our sins. The plain design of the Passion Cross makes it suitable for heraldry and easy to print or draw. An alternative name is the Nail Cross (see also Disciple's Cross) which has exactly the same meaning but is visually more representational.
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The Nail Cross as a symbol of Christ's suffering on the cross
The Nail Cross is a Christian symbol of hope, friendship, reconciliation, and peace. It is also known as the Coventry Cross of Nails or the Passion Cross. The cross represents the nails used to crucify Christ, and the form of the cross echoes the crucifixion of Christ. The Nail Cross is a reminder of Christ's suffering on the cross, including the physical pain, the mocking crowd, and the humiliating crown of thorns. The plain design of the Passion Cross makes it suitable for heraldry and easy to print or draw.
The original Coventry Cross of Nails was made from three large medieval nails salvaged from the Coventry Cathedral after it was severely damaged by German bombs on 14 November 1940, during the Second World War. In the following decades, several hundred crosses have been given as gifts to various organisations, including churches, charities, schools, and prisons. The recipients of the Cross of Nails formed an ecumenical 'Community of the Cross of Nails' (CCN) in 1976, which has three residing principles: healing the wounds of history, learning to live with difference and celebrate diversity, and building a culture of peace.
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Frequently asked questions
A nail cross is a Christian symbol of hope, friendship, reconciliation and peace.
The nail cross is also known as the Coventry Cross of Nails, the Passion Cross and the Carpenter's Cross.
The nail cross is made from iron nails.











































