A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Many congregations kindle a flaming chalice in gatherings and worships and prominently feature the chalice symbol.

Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love.  Unitarian Universalists today have many interpretations of the flaming chalice including the light of reason, the warmth of community, the flame of hope, the sacred, and the quest for truth.

SUUF Flaming Chalice

Our chalice was handcrafted by Mordecai Roth, sculptor and member of the Arizona Sun City Fellowship. It was commissioned by early members Bill and Jean Ward and dedicated as a memorial to Cae Fessendan on September 3, 2000, at the start of our seventh year as a Fellowship.

We light our chalice to create a reverent space for reflection, meditation, sharing joys and concerns, and singing.