The United Methodist flag features the Cross and Flame, which has been the official symbol of the United Methodist Church since 1968. The Cross and Flame was adopted shortly after the merger of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church and relates the United Methodist church to God through Christ (cross) and the Holy Spirit (flame). The flame is a recolection of Pentecost where it's believed that witnesses were brought together and unified by the power of the Holy Spirit and saw "tongues, as of fire". The United Methodist cross and flame was trademarked 1971 and is intended only for official United Methodist agencies.