The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a new symbol to identify the faith. Church Prophet and President Russell M. Nelson announced it and explained it during the recent general conference.
In Columbus, the church has more than 1,000 followers, according to its local leaders.
Nelson said this new emblem emphasizes the name of Jesus Christ and His central role in all the church does. The name of the Church is contained within a rectangular shape that represents a cornerstone. This idea has biblical roots.
Biblical writer Paul, employing a construction metaphor in a letter to the first century saints in Ephesus, wrote that the church is built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets—Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.
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The center of the symbol is a representation of Thorvaldsen’s marble statue, the Christus. Jesus stands under an arch as a reminder of His emergence from the tomb three days after His death.
“[The symbol] portrays the resurrected, living Lord reaching out to embrace all who will come unto Him,” Nelson said. “This symbol should feel familiar to many, as we have long identified the restored gospel with the living, resurrected Christ.”
This new symbol will be used on church materials as directed by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Detailed usage guidelines are being developed, including possible uses of the new symbol around the world.
“The symbol will now be used as a visual identifier for official literature, news, and events of the Church,” the prophet continued. “It will remind all that this is the Savior’s church and that all we do, as members of his church, centers on Jesus Christ and His gospel.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global family of more than 16 million members worldwide. This new symbol is being created in 110 languages—a complex process that will take several months to complete. As the First Presidency urged in 2019 as the church made adjustments to better reflect correct use of the faith’s full name, members of the church worldwide should be patient and courteous as these symbol adjustments are made in their language.