THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST SYMBOL
What does it mean?
The symbol of the United Church of Christ comprises a crown, cross, and orb enclosed within a double oval bearing the name of the church and the prayer of Jesus—"that they may all be one" (John 17:21). It is based on an ancient Christian symbol.
The crown symbolizes the sovereignty of Christ—who expresses God's power through love.
The cross recalls the suffering of Christ—his arms outstretched on the wood of the cross for the salvation of humanity.
The orb represents the world. It is divided but at the same time whole, and the cross of Jesus reaches into its depths. The division of the orb into three parts also reminds us of Jesus' call to be his "witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Jesus wants us to bring God's love to every corner of the earth.
The prayer reflects our historic commitment to the restoration of unity among the separated churches of Jesus Christ, and our faith that the day will come when all humanity will be gathered by God into one family.
THE COMMA
What does it mean?
The comma is the symbol of our "God is Still Speaking" campaign—an outreach through television, radio, blogs, web communities and the hospitality offered by thousands of UCC congregations throughout the country. The symbol was inspired by legendary actor and singer Gracie Allen (1895-1964) who said, "Never place a period where God has placed a comma." God has spoken, but God is still speaking.
The comma connects us through the centuries to the words of John Robinson, one of the UCC's ancestors in faith, who told the Pilgrims before they embarked on their journey across the sea that God "hath yet more truth and light to break forth from his holy Word."
We share John Robinson's hope for the Pilgrims. We hope to be a church that does not shut but opens doors to the spirit.
Written by Andy Lang