What’s the Meaning of the Presbyterian Logo?
The official seal of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was adopted in 1985. At first glance it looks like a cross. But, it is intended to capture some of the important emphases of the Reformed tradition. The following information is adapted from the PCUSA website.
The Cross
The cross represents the incarnate love of God in Jesus Christ, and his passion and resurrection. Because of its association with Presbyterian history, the Celtic cross was chosen.
The Bible
The two center lines of the cross represent an open book… the role of Scripture as a means of knowing God’s word.
The Dove
The uppermost section… the shape of a descending dove. A symbol of the Holy Spirit, …also symbolizes Christ’s baptism by John and the peace and wholeness which his death and resurrection bring to a broken world.
The Pulpit
Beneath the image of the book is the suggestion of a lectern or pulpit, which captures the important role of preaching in the history of Presbyterian worship.
The Flames
The flames convey a double meaning: a symbol of revelation in the Old Testament when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, and the beginning of the Christian church when Christ manifested himself to his apostles at Pentecost and charged them to be messengers of the good news of God’s love.
The Triangle
The triangle a traditional symbol of the Trinity also suggests the nature of Presbyterian government, with its concern for balance and order, dividing authority between clergy and elders and among different governing bodies.
The Fish
In the shape of the descending dove, one can discern the form of a fish, an early-Christian sign for Christ, recalling his ministry to those who hunger.
The Font/Chalice
In the lower central part of the image of the cross one can find a baptismal font or a communion chalice (cup) both images of the sacraments … an ongoing sign and symbol of God’s presence with us and working through us.
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