Baptist Union



Baptist Union

Baptist Union of Great Britain logo

The Baptist denomination began in Spitalfields, London, in 1612. Baptists objected to the idea that the head of state (king or queen) was also head of the church, arguing that only Jesus Christ should be considered the head. They were called 'Dissenters', persecuted for their belief in religious freedom and gained strength as a result.

Like many other relatively young churches, the Baptists had internal struggles and theological disagreements. These led to separate churches (some believed they were God’s chosen people, whilst others believed Christ died for everyone). It was not until 1891 that the factions came together and formed the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB).

The BUGB is still the umbrella organisation supporting the Baptist Missionary Society, independent Baptist churches and colleges.

From a distance, the BIGB logo looks a bit like an ideograph or old oriental family seal. Look a bit closer and you'll see the elements of the current BUGB 'globe' logo are quite clear: the cross, water used for baptism, and the Jesus fish.

See also Baptismal Cross and Christening Cross