Some call it tradition, others think it’s just a snappy-looking color. But the deeper reason is the firm belief that our churches are places of refuge.
As in the case with many churches, Episcopal parishes use red to let the world know what we’re about. Red is the color of Christ’s blood. It is the symbol of the sacrifice of the martyrs. It is the symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit. And it marks the holy ground that lies just within. We like to think that red tells the world we’re a safe place. We’re a peaceful place. We’re a place of refuge. We are a place where God’s presence is made clear.
Historically, churches painted their doors red to signal fleeing suspects that they were places of sanctuary (thank King Ethelbert’s English law, circa 600 CE). Today we know that the world is a scary place, full of people who are looking for places to find peace and forgiveness. While many people look at traditional churches as daunting and inhospitable, we hope that our red doors tell a different story, even if circumstances require they be locked from time to time!
