LCUUF Chalice

A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Our Fellowship kindles a flaming chalice during many of our gatherings and at every worship service. We light a flaming chalice in worship to create a reverent space for reflection, prayer, meditation, and singing.

Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) 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.