The Diocese now has another symbol to proclaim its presence – a heraldic badge which Diocesan Council adopted at its January meeting.
Robert Watt, Chief Herald of Canada in the Governor General’s office and a member of the diocese, devised the badge’s design.
Watt said because the badge is simpler it will often be easier to use than the very detailed coat of arms. But it does not replace the coat of arms, which was formally granted to the Bishop Godfrey Gower and his successors in 1960, but had been in use since shortly after the formation of the diocese in 1879.
“The goal was to build a diocesan presence that was strong and simple,” said Watt of his design.
He said the shape of the badge, a circle, refers to the “circle of life,” and to the diocese’s relationship with First Nations and acknowledgement of their spirituality.
The patonce cross (a cross with flowers at its ends) comes directly from the coat of arms, which in turn came from Westminster Abbey.
Two birds, martlets, are in Canadian form, with wings shaped somewhat like the maple leaf. Like doves, they can be seen as messengers from heaven, symbols of the Holy Spirit.
A white wavy line refers to the ocean and harbour, and to the water of baptism. The blue colur denotes the heavens, the river, and the sea. The gold colours symbolize Christ as the light of the world, Watt said.
Jane Osler, chair of the diocesan Communications Committee, said her group wanted the badge for use especially on the diocesan web site. “The badge’s simplicity will allow for greater use,” she said.