This is the symbol of the United Church of Christ. More than a logo, our symbol imparts the meaning not only of all that we are in the present as a denomination, but all that we yearn to be in the future.
At the top of the symbol is a crown. By the use of the crown, we remind ourselves that Christ is the ruler, the head of all, greater that any earthly power or authority.
Below the crown is a cross. The cross reminds us of Christ's suffering in solidarity with the pain of victims of violence in all times and places. For many, the cross is a reminder of the redemptive power of life over death, and salvation over the powers of evil.
Below the cross is an orb divided into three parts, reminding us of Jesus' command to go out into the world in all directions, witnessing to his life-giving power.
Encircling these symbols are the words "That They May All Be One." (John 17:21). The words remind us of our history as a union of different Christian traditions. And it calls us to activism in the present. In the UCC, it is our calling to engage in ecumenical relationships that seek to heal the broken unity of the Body of Christ. And the words also call us to the future, to the time envisioned by Christ when "all may be one."
"Ecumenical relations help us to learn from the spiritual traditions of other churches. They help us to serve the world more effectively in God's name. They remind us that while we are proud of the diversity of the Protestant traditions that have joined in our united church, there is an ever greater diversity in the Body of Christ that can make us whole'*
Prayer For Ecumenical Sunday (Second Sunday After Epiphany-January 19, 2020)
Christ - Remind us again and again that we who share your name share a oneness that goes beyond doctrine or creed. Give us wisdom, courage and curiosity to move into the world, ready to witness to the miracle of your work in our lives, even as we learn from our brothers and sisters in faith. In your name we pray, Amen.
*Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners. Accessed July 24, 2019. https://wqww.ucc.org/ecumenical.
Copyright 2020 United Church of Christ
