The logo of the Desert Southwest Conference combines the symbol of the United Methodist Church (Cross and Flame) with a compass and a flaming sunburst. The southwest point of the compass is prominent, extending beyond the other points, to give identity to the region of the United States where we serve and build the body of Christ. Our southwest region is directly connected to the "Cross and Flame," which is the center of our logo.
The sun burst is emblematic of the warmth and caring nature of the our people. The sun shines on everyone equally: rich or poor, male or female, strong or weak, hungry or filled. The sun is our source of energy. We also receive energy from the "Son," our Lord and Savior. Through His extended forgiveness, all can be centered to life eternal and service to the church universal.
Known informally as the Cross and Flame logo but formally as the denomination's insignia, United Methodism's official symbol is seen in cities, towns, and rural areas at every point on the globe. The insignia is a cross linked with dual flames. This symbol relates our church to God by way of the second and third persons of the Trinity: the Christ (cross) and the Holy Spirit (flame).
Apart from Wesleyan Trinitarian theology and warmth, the flame has two other connotations. The flame suggests Pentecost when witnesses saw "tongues as of fire." The duality of the flame was meant to represent the merger in 1968 of two denominations: The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church.
The Cross and Flame is a registered trademark and the use is supervised by the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church. Permission to use the Cross and Flame must be obtained from the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church:
Legal Department
GCFA
Post Office Box 340029
Nashville, TN 37203-0029
Phone: 615-369-2334
Fax: 615-369-2330
Further information is found on UMC.org here.
