![[United Church Crest]](crest1.jpg)
The Crest, oval in shape, plays a dual role. It was originally designed to be the Seal of the United Church of Canada. It is the official signature of the church, and is placed on legal documents.
The four quarters of the cross are appropriate symbols, three of which are particularly associated with the three uniting communions: Congressional (open Bible); Methodist (Dove); Presbyterian (Burning Bush).
The Oval Form:
Derived from the outline of a fish which was used as a secret symbol by which
Christians identified one another during the days of persecution.
The Border:
Carries the name "The United Church of Canada"
and the Latin words "ut omnes unsum sint" which mean "That all
may be one". A reminder of a united and uniting church.
The X:
At the centre is the Greek letter Chi, the first letter in the Greek word for
Christ and the traditional symbol for the person of Christ, the centre of our
faith.
The Open Bible:
Representing the Congrgational Churches, it is a reminder that it is God's truth
that makes men free.
The Dove:
The destintive mark of Methodism, it is emblematic of the Holy Spirit, evangelical
zeal, concern for human redemption, the warmth of Christian fellowship and the
ministry of sacred song.
The Burning Bush:
The symbol of Presbyterianism, refers to the bush that burned and was not consumed,
the indestructibility of the church.