At certain periods the figure of Christ is removed even in the Catholic church. Dear Michael, Catholics use both cross and crucifix. In Holy Week it is customary to veil all statues and crucifixes as a token of mourning for our Savior's sufferings and death. The figure of Christ on the crucifix is not removed but veiled. The veil is removed during the Good Friday liturgy.
Protestants reject the use of three-dimensional images in their churches.
What is forbidden is not images, but idolatrous worship paid to images.