Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens to the old MCC logo with the Chi Rho cross?
A. The old logo remains an important symbol of the MCC movement. It is a
valued part of our history. It, however, will no longer be our primary means
of representing MCC's ministry to the world. We encourage all local churches
to begin incorporating the use of the new logo in your church's materials,
publications and websites -- thereby strengthening our worldwide presence and
image.
Q. Are local churches required to use the new logo?
A. No. No church is required to use the logo. However, it is available
without charge to any church that will adopt the guidelines and standards for
usage -- and a local church version can be designed for a nominal fee. Go to
Local Church Logo
Q. We'd like to obtain the fonts that are recommended for use with the new
logo. How can we get them?
A. If you'd like to obtain the fonts, there are a couple of ways to do so.
Garamond is recommended as the typestyle for body text on letterhead on which
the logo is used -- and it generally comes already packaged with
wordprocessors such as Word or WordPefect. The other fonts can be purchased
and downloaded off of the Internet in a variety of formats (Windows and Mac)
for about $22 (US) each at:
http://www.fonts.com/fontpackages/packs_home.asp?con=adobe.
Q. Why do the guidelines ask us not to separate the visual elements from
the text, or to change the colors of the logo.
A. It is so important to follow the exact guidelines posted on the website
-- and not to change the elements or the colors or any aspect of the logo.
This honors the integrity of the new design and will help to connect our logo
in the public consciousness.
Here's an example:
Most of us are familiar with the "equal sign" logo of the Human Rights
Campaign. However, for the first few years after it was unveiled, it was
ALWAYS used together with text -- to identify it as the HRC logo. Over time,
this connection became imprinted in the public consciousness -- and once that
occurred, the graphic element could stand on its own and be instantly
recognized.
To separate and use the new MCC graphic element
(the flame and the world)
by itself now, before the logo becomes widely recognized, would weaken its
ability to represent our movement and accomplish its purpose.
For this reason, it is important -- we cannot emphasize this enough -- that
elements of the logo not be changed, resized, or regrouped -- and the colors
should never be changed. Read the guidelines and
standards carefully on how to effectively use the new MCC logo.
Q. Why does the new system use MCC -- rather than UFMCC?
A. Our research indicated that people more easily identify with MCC -- and it
standardizes denominational usage with local church usage. People who already
know about our churches as well as people who are
"spiritual seekers"
identified and remembered MCC much more readily than UFMCC. This does not
represent any official change.
The official name of our denomination is still Universal Fellowship of
Metropolitan Community Churches.
Q. I understand the logo -- but what exactly is the "system."
A. The "identity system" is made up of all the
graphic, photographic and type elements that are used to represent our church
to the world in print, advertising, booklets, brochures, websites, etc. If you
take a look at the Guidelines and Usage Standards
here on our website, you will find specific PMS colors, typestyles, spacing
guidelines -- even photographic treatments -- that combine to form the MCC
"identity system."
Q. How can our church help guarantee the integrity of the new system and
help to make it as effective as possible?
A. At the risk of repeating ourselves too many times, nothing is more
important than familiarizing yourself with and following the professionally
designed usage guidelines. If someone in your church designs your letterheads,
business cards, worship folders, newsletters, etc. -- be sure to provide them
with a copy of he usage guidelines and standards and insist they follow them
"religiously." If you hire a graphic artist to design materials for your
ministry, provide them with the standards and insist upon their use.
(END)
