UCC Brand Guidelines
These Identity Standards provide the guidelines for proper use of the various United Church of Christ (UCC) visual identity elements recently refined to provide a refreshed, updated and consistent look to the UCC Brand. These Identity Standards include a comprehensive identity system including logo and crest usage, typefaces, color palettes, photography use, correspondence guidelines and templates for Conferences and Churches to use when using both their logos/names and the United Church of Christ logo/name.
These standards have the endorsement of the General Minister and President; oversight for proper use is the responsibility of the Office of Philanthropy, Technology, Identity & Communication (OPTIC).
Proper and consistent use of the United Church of Christ logos, crest, and marks will enable the UCC to achieve clarity, accuracy and efficiency in all print and digital communications and better position the UCC brand while better aligning throughout its organizational and operational structure – from the National Setting offices in Cleveland to Conferences, Churches and other UCC-affiliated entities.
Purpose, Vision and Mission
PURPOSE:
To love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves (Mt. 22)
VISION:
United in Christ’s love, a just world for all.
MISSION:
United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.
United Church of Christ Logos, Crest, and Mission Marks
Our logos, crest and mission marks are the most visible and recognizable elements in our identity. The new UCC logo features an updated typeface as well as a modified “ICON” which is known as the “God is Still Speaking Comma”; various alternative UCC marks are also approved for use. The “God is Still Speaking Comma” symbol continues the foundation build by just the comma in the “Still Speaking” campaign. The traditional UCC “crest” has been slightly modified to better align with the refreshed UCC logo identity. Finally, new mission marks have been developed to bring consistency to the work of the Church and, consistency that better aligns this work with the United Church of Christ.
United Church of Christ Logo
The United Church of Christ logo is the most visible and recognizable element of our identity. Our logo includes a version with and without the tagline “A Just World for All.” The logo consists of three colors: black, UCC dark blue and UCC light blue.
Full-Color Logo Usage
The full-color logo may only be used on either a white background or on a neutral background.
Rainbow Logo Color Versions
The rainbow logo provides an approved alternative logo of the United Church of Christ. Use this full-color version for diversity and inclusion communications.
When printing restrictions do not permit use of the logo in color, use a one-color logo on a white or neutral background or the white logo reversed out of black
One-Color Versions
Whenever possible, use a the full-color version on a white or neutral background. When printing restrictions do not permit use of the full colors, use the black one-color logo on a white or neutral background or the white logo reversed out of black.
One-Color Logo Usage
The examples shown represent the backgrounds allowed for the one-color logo.
Black logo on white background
Black logo on neutral background or paper stock
Black logo on UCC logo light blue background
White logo reversed out of black background
White logo reversed out of logo dark blue background
Using the God is Still Speaking Comma Alone
The God is Still Speaking Comma may be used without the “United Church of Christ” logo in place of the full logo in certain situations. The God is Still Speaking Comma should only be used in all black or in the rainbow option and never be used as a pattern, or in combination with another symbol to create a new logo. On collateral pieces, the God is Still Speaking Comma may be used alone with “A Just World for All” and “UCC.org” as long as “United Church of Christ” logo appears elsewhere on the piece as the complete logo. If you have questions about whether your application is acceptable, please contact OPTIC.
Area of Isolation & Sizing
The legibility and distinction of the United Church of Christ logo is very important. To ensure that the logo is highly visible, always separate it from its surroundings. The area of isolation, or clear space, surrounding the logo should equal the height of the “U” in the “United Church of Christ” Do not allow any other graphic element to penetrate this area of isolation.
There is a minimum size for reproducing the United Church of Christ logos. This ensures that our logos remain legible in every usage. Never reproduce the logo smaller than the minimum size. These minimum sizes apply to all UCC logos, both for print and online usage.
Incorrect Usage
The examples shown represent incorrect usage of the UCC logo.
Do not use part of the logo, such as “United Church” without “of Christ.”
Do not angle or rotate the logo.
Do not use the logo as a pattern.
Do not stretch, distort or alter the logo in any way.
Do not use a different typeface in the logo.
Do not use the United Church of Christ logotype without the symbol.
UCC Crest
Since its beginning, the United Church of Christ “crest” has been a recognized symbol for the Church. This symbol has been refreshed to better align with the updated brand identity for the UCC. INSIDE a church, the UCC “crest” symbol can be used in isolation; outside a church, the UCC “crest” should always be used with an approved United Church of Christ logo.
3 Great Loves Logo
The 3 Great Loves logo is the most visible and recognizable element of the 3 Great Loves identity. Our logo includes a full color version and a version in black and white. Use this logo for any/all 3 Great Loves communications.
UCC Mission Marks
Use of approved UCC Mission Logos is permissible. The primary Mission Logo use should include the UCC logo. The secondary Mission Logo use can be without the UCC logo; however, the UCC logo must be included elsewhere.
The Annual Fund
Strengthen the Church
Our Church’s Wider Mission
Neighbors In Need
One Great Hour of Sharing
Disaster Ministries
Printed and Digital Color Guide
PRIMARY COLORS
The primary colors for the United Church of Christ are.
PANTONE 641
RGB: 0 103 160
HEX/HTML: #007ea9
CMYK: 86 41 19 1
PANTONE 7457
RGB: 187 221 230
HEX/HTML: #c0e1ed
CMYK: 23 2 4 0
RGB: 0 0 0
HEX/HTML: #000000
CMYK: 0 0 0 100
SECONDARY COLORS
The secondary colors complement the primary colors and may be used only as such. They should be used in support of the primary colors, not overpower them.
PANTONE 485C
RGB: 218 41 28
HEX/HTML: #DA291C
CMYK: 0 95 100 0
PANTONE 1235
RGB: 255 184 28
HEX/HTML: #FFB81C
CMYK: 0 31 98 0
PANTONE 2593
RGB: 132 50 155
HEX/HTML: #84329B
CMYK: 66 92 0 0
PANTONE 368
RGB: 120 190 32
HEX/HTML: #79a848
CMYK: 59 15 95 1
PANTONE Cool Gray 9
RGB: 117 120 123
HEX/HTML: #75787B
CMYK: 30 22 17 57
Always reproduce these colors using the formulas specified in this guide. Do not use the standard software translation values when converting PMS colors to CYMK or RGB. Always reproduce the primary colors at 100%; do not screen.
Typography/Fonts
Photography
Photography is a powerful tool to support the UCC story. However, image use is critical as that they must align with the visual and voice of the United Church of Christ.
Photography may be used in full-color, duotones or as black and white images. All photography used should be of high-resolution quality. Photography may come from various resources including original photography taken by a member of your organization/church; from online stock image providers; or, the National Setting of the United Church of Christ’s OPTIC Office can help source needed photography. Regardless, original photography taken must include Photo Release Forms that must be signed by any person(s) included in a photo; any stock photography must be properly secured and paid for by your organization/church; the National Setting of the UCC is NOT RESPONSIBLE for payment of stock images/photography. A license must be secured from the owner of the copyright to the photograph prior to use. Do not download, copy, or embed photographs from any website or search engine without copyright permission.
Co-Branding for Conference and Churches
Aligning the United Church of Christ with your Conference/Church, both entities become stronger. The UCC National Setting understands the importance, and power, of your local identity. Your local identity (name, logos, ICON) should always be the PRIMARY identity in any co-branded communications with the United Church of Christ. The United Church of Christ should be used as a secondary brand.
When co-branding your organization with the United Church of Christ, please refer to the following design guidelines:
Co-Branding Guidelines with NO EXISTING United Church of Christ Identity
When there is NO reference to the United Church of Christ brand included, include the UCC God is Still Speaking Comma and name as a secondary logo to your organizations’ logo, placed below with “United Church” justified right to the right end of your organization’s name (see examples below).
Download UCC Brand Materials
Download General SYNOD Material
The UCC logos are the registered trademarks of the National Setting of the United Church of Christ. The General Synod and Three Great Loves logos are the trademarks of the National Setting of the United Church of Christ. The files on this page may be downloaded and used by Local Churches, Associations, and Conferences of the United Church of Christ for use in their own social media, print publications, and websites. All other uses without permission are prohibited. The National Setting of the United Church of Christ reserves all rights, including the exclusive right to prohibit any usage it deems inconsistent with the purpose, mission, and vision of the United Church of Christ.