<P> Today, Western Christians and the Oriental Orthodox touch the left shoulder before the right . Eastern Catholics and Orthodox Christians use the right - to - left movement . </P> <P> The proper sequence of tracing the sign of the cross is taught to converts from Christian denominations that are either nontrinitarian or not using the gesture and non-Christian religions . </P> <P> The sign of the cross may be made by individuals upon themselves as a form of prayer and by clergy upon others or objects as an act of blessing . The gesture of blessing is certainly related to the sign of the cross, but the two gestures developed independently after some point . In Eastern Christianity, the two gestures differ significantly . Priests and deacons are allowed to bless using the right hand, while bishops may bless simultaneously with both, the left mirroring the right . While individuals may make it at any time, clergy must make it at specific times (as in liturgies), and it is customary to make it on other occasions . </P> <P> Although the sign of the cross dates to ante - Nicene Christianity, it was rejected by some of the Reformers and is absent from some forms of Protestantism, although some other reformed Christian traditions, such as Anglicanism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, and Methodism sometimes use it . However, it has often been rejected by some Non-Conformist Protestants as being a high church practice, despite Martin Luther's positive personal view . The prescribed use of the sign in Book of Common Prayer and the defence of the sign of the cross were established in Anglican canon law in 1604 . </P>

What does making a cross on your chest mean