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Brethren LOGO Explanation

CHURCH  OF  THE  BRETHREN  LOGO

        The Church of the Brethren logo is a composite of three different shapes that symbolize three central messages of the life of Jesus: cross, wave, and circle.

THE CROSS

        The cross recalls our baptism into Christ's death and resurrection (Rom. 6:4) and testifies to God's plan to bring "all in heaven and on earth...into a unity in Christ" (Eph. 1:10 NEB).

THE CIRCLE

        The circle, partially defined, represents the world into which we are sent by Christ (Matt. 28:19). The circle also affirms that as members of Christ's body we are members one of another (Rom. 12:5) - a people who confess "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:5).

THE WAVE

The wave connotes new life in Christ, "born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5). The wave further evokes the waters of justice (Amos 5:24), the cup of water offered in Christ's name (Mark 9:41), the basin and towel (John 13:5), and "springs of living water" (Rev. 7:17).

        Combined as a single symbol, the cross, the circle, and the wave present a distinct "Brethren" statement centered in Jesus Christ --

• a statement reflecting a stable, yet vital spirit.
• a statement of openness and compassion.
• a statement of reaching out to the community and to the world.
• a statement that calls forth unity, discipleship, and mission.

        The logo of the Church of the Brethren lifts up images central to the life of Jesus Christ -- images for Brethren to live by.

This material adapted from The Church of the Brethren Logo © Church of the Brethren General Board.