A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Many of our congregations kindle a flaming chalice in gatherings and worships and feature the chalice symbol prominently.

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 refuge, helpfulness 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.

South Bend’s chalice design incorporates the colors from a quilt stitched in 2003 by one of our members, which in turn was based on a green stained-glass wall hanging made circa 1970 from the doors of our original building.

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