flamingchaliceA flame within a chalice is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. UUCH, like many Unitarian Universalist congregations, kindles a flaming chalice in gatherings and worship services.

Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love.

To Unitarian Universalists today the flaming chalice is a symbol of hope, the sacred, the quest for truth, the warmth of community, the light of reason, and more.

We light a flaming chalice in worship to create a reverent space for reflection, prayer, meditation, and singing.