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United Reformed Church (Synod of Scotland)

located by Ron Lahav

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