Who are we?

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    • About the WCC logo

    Background
    The cross and the boat, early Christian symbols of the church, embodying faith and unity, have long served as the logo of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and have carried the message of the ecumenical movement. It is likely that the symbol of the boat has its origins in the Gospel story of the calling by Jesus of the disciples and the stilling of the storm on Lake Galilee.

    The word “oikoumene” comes from the Greek word “oikos” meaning house. Its English equivalent is “ecumenical”. In modern usage, it signifies the whole household of faith, all races, all nations, all the churches.

    The ecumenical symbol was in use even before the inauguration of the WCC in 1948, and has taken several stylized variations since then. In 2001, the WCC adopted a redesigned logo in red, signalling that the WCC is looking to the future with renewed purpose and energy.

    Use of the WCC logo
    The WCC uses the logo in all its official publications, documents and stationery as its official symbol. The WCC has the copyright of the logo, but it is not registered as a trademark as, under Swiss law, this is primarily a commercial concept and is not applicable to a non-profit organization.

    While this is the official logo of the WCC, other ecumenical organizations or agencies that share the Christian vision and values of the WCC may use or adapt the logo to their needs. In no case is the logo allowed to be used by non-related organizations or for any commercial purposes. The WCC requires other organizations to request permission to use the logo.

    Technical parameters
    The official colour of the WCC logo is red on a white background (pantone reference 1797c). The logo may be used in black (for photocopying) or in white (on a dark background). The logo is not usually used in any other colour without the prior agreement of the WCC.

    Standard versions of the logo incorporating the WCC name in English and in other working languages of the WCC are available and should be used when the name of the organization is attached.

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