About
the Chalice
Learn more about the symbol of the Disciples of Christ.
Article was added to FaithandValues.com in July 2002.
The
red chalice, bearing the "X-shaped" cross of St. Andrew was adopted
as the symbol of the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the
denomination's General Assembly in 1971.
The
chalice symbolizes the centrality of the Lord's Supper to Disciples life. The
St. Andrew's Cross, the national cross of Scotland, focuses attention on the
*Scotch Presbyterian roots of the church. Thomas and Alexander Campbell
both studied in Scotland and were Presbyterians. St. Andrew has been identified
with the laity and evangelism, prominent emphases of the Disciples over the
years.
The
red color of the chalice signifies vitality, spirit and sacrifice.
The
chalice and St. Andrew's Cross, symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ), adopted by the church's General Assembly in 1971, is a trademark
registered with the United States Patent Office.
[*21st
usage -- "Scottish." Writing in the mid-1800s, the Campbells referred
the Presbyterian Church of Scotland as the "Scotch
Presbyterian" church.]