Why Is The Cross Important?

Shortly before Boris Yeltsin came to the United States to ask for aid, he attended church, something which politicians occasionally do, especially when the press covers it.  But Yeltsin later told the ITAR-Tass news agency, "I came here today to undergo cleansing...."    What struck me about Yeltsin's actions and his comments was the fact that he is an avowed atheist, at least he says that he is.  But deep down in his heart, is he really?  One does not usually talk about chocolate cake unless you believe that there is a cook in the kitchen.  Nor do you talk about God unless you believe He exists.