Symbolism and Significance
The insignia of The United Methodist Church is a cross linked with a dual flame, a powerful reminder of who we are in Christ. It relates the United Methodist church to God through Christ—the cross—and the Holy Spirit—the flame, a reminder of Pentecost when witnesses were unified by the power of the Holy Spirit and saw "tongues, as of fire" in Acts 2:3.
The elements of the emblem also remind us of a transforming moment in the life of Methodism's founder, John Wesley, when he sensed God's presence and felt his heart "strangely warmed." The two tongues of a single flame may also be understood to represent the union of two denominations.
History
The Cross and Flame was birthed following the formation of the United Methodist Church by the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968. After considering more than two dozen other designs, the cross and flame was chosen as the official emblem. The symbol, one with lettering and one without, was formally adopted by the General Conference in 1968.
Terms of Use
Since 1996, the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist church has supervised the emblem's use. For more information about the Cross and Flame or how to obtain one, visit the GCFA website.
Download an FAQ document.
Resources