Story behind the ELCG Rose
The Rose our Logo
The Luther rose was designed by Martin Luther, the Luther Coat of Arms (pictured at right) has become the world-wide symbol of the Church of the Augsburg Confession, commonly known as the Lutheran Church. The Luther Rose, also known as the Luther Seal, is easily the most recognized symbol for Lutheranism, and for good reason. Martin Luther personally oversaw the creation of this symbol. It provides a beautiful summary of his faith, a faith that is common to all Christians, of every place and every time.
Here is how Luther explained the meaning of his seal:
“Grace and peace from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal, which you sent to me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my original thoughts and reason about why my seal is a symbol of my theology. The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. ‘For one who believes from the heart will be justified’ (Romans 10:10a). Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. ‘The just shall live by faith’ (Rom. 1:17b) but by faith in the crucified. Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal. This is my compendium theoligae [summary of theology. I have wanted to show it to you in good friendship, hoping for your appreciation. May Christ, our beloved Lord, be with your spirit until the life hereafter. Amen.”*
ELCG version of the Luther Rose
The symbol we use for the ELCG was created by member Edwin Hassink (also graphic designer of our first website) and was inspired by the Luther rose. Hassink’s understanding of the symbolism Luther wanted to express, combined with the particularities of our congregation, made him come up with a rose created by people figures joining around the altar table (red center); people holding hands, creating a circle, passing the bread and wine to each other; people almost dancing (blue, gold and gray), joyfully celebrating in and around communion. In the altar symbol (red center), an almost disguised letter “E”, representing the initial letter of the ELCG name (Evangelical).
