Last modified: 2013-11-16 by rob raeside
Keywords: united reformed church (synod of scotland) | saltire | bible | cross | cup | fish |
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The United Reformed Church is one of the major so-called 'Nonconformist'
churches in the UK. It was formed about thirty years ago as a result of the
merger of several smaller Protestant bodies, not all of which were Calvinist in
theology or Presbyterian in structure. Given the fact that the nucleus of this
church was the former Presbyterian Church in England, which does have these
Calvinist roots, it is therefore surprising that the church feels the need to
have a distinct and separate Synod of Scotland, since the Church of Scotland is
still officially the heir to these traditions in 'Fair Caledonia.' Nevertheless
the Synod of Scotland of the URC has its own web site, and very interesting it
is from a vexillological standpoint, too.
The URL of the web site is
http://www.urc2.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/FLAG.gif. Although the Synod of
Scotland does not itself have a flag, it uses the Scottish Saltire as an
integral part of its logo. The flag is depicted as if it were waving, but
considering that there are objects on it it seems physically impossible for them
to be placed on a flag in motion. Also, the background color of the Saltire
differs markedly from the traditional dark blue; instead, it is much more of a
slate blue. At the center point of the Saltire, where the two crosses meet,
there is a modern stylized Cross, which extends in a perpendicular fashion past
the top of the flag itself. This cross impales a fish, one of the oldest symbols
of Christianity. To the right of the cross is a chalice in gray and black, and
to the left is an open Bible.
Ron Lahav, 29 January 2005
The United Reformed Church was the joining together of the Presbyterian
Church of England, the Congregational Church of England and the Churches of
Christ. The Scotland Synod exists because Congregational Union of Scotland
joined in 2000.
Phil Baiden, 29 September 2005