What are the consequences of taking away the signs and symbols of Christian faith and replacing them with those of the LGBTQ+ movement? At the very least, the old shield was dignified and the new one is, well, just vulgar. The old version welcomed the worshipper into the solemn, historic, and Biblical rhythms of morning and evening prayer. The new shield, by contrast, declares a rigid creed of self-affirmation and self-acceptance, one that, wrapped ironically in the sign of God’s wrath, turns the worshipper inward toward herself rather than outward toward God’s grace.
One of my greatest sorrows is to pass by empty and shuttered Episcopal churches nestled in various towns and cities across these fruited plains. These gorgeous stone and wooden structures often possess carved red doors that once stood open even on weekdays. Tasteful signs announced that “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You.” Red is a churchy color—both inviting and richly reminiscent of the blood of Christ. And, sometimes on or over the door, many churches had shields, often hand-painted, representing the local congregation, town, state, and, most importantly, The Episcopal Church.
The old shield bore St. George’s Cross. In the corner, nine crosses for the nine original dioceses recalled St. Andrew, patron of the Scottish church that gave America her first bishop. St. George the dragon slayer has been banished, though, and in his place is the emblem of lust and pride.
The church’s official website explains:
“The design retains the upper-left blue corner of The Episcopal Church’s shield logo and incorporates elements of the traditional Pride flag as well as the Progress Pride flag and Philadelphia Pride flag.