Brand Guidelines

The Irish Synodal Pathway logo is the visual expression of a Church in renewal – one that listens, learns, and walks together. These guidelines outline how to use the logo and its associated visual assets with consistency, clarity, and reverence for its meaning.

The story behind our new logo

When the Irish Synodal Pathway embarked on the journey to renew its visual identity, the invitation to tender called for a logo that would be theologically rich, spiritually resonant, and distinctly Irish. The vision was to create something timeless yet contemporary — a symbol expressing unity, participation, and mission, while remaining open, inclusive, and rooted in the Christian and Celtic heritage of Ireland.

In the early stages of development, the design team explored many of the visual ideas proposed in the tender. However, as the process evolved, it became clear that including too many elements risked creating an illustration rather than a logo.

At the heart of the final design lies Saint Brigid’s Cross, a symbol deeply woven into both Irish culture and Christian tradition. Within its familiar form, the designer traced a pathway — a visual metaphor for our shared synodal journey. The lines move in and out, suggesting openness, dialogue, and movement: a Church that listens, learns, and walks together. This sense of the pathway reflects the inclusive nature of synodality — a journey that welcomes all and remains open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The cross itself preserves the Christian foundation of the Synodal Pathway, while its geometric simplicity conveys modernity and adaptability. The use of two shades of green, in both the image and the wording, roots the design in the Irish landscape, with a gentle echo of life, renewal, and growth.

Importantly, a deliberate decision was made not to include human figures. Any depiction of people, however well-intentioned, might risk excluding others. Instead, the cross and its flowing pathways invite everyone to see themselves within it.

In the end, the new logo embodies an Irish expression of the universal call to communion, participation, and mission. It is both rooted and forward-looking, grounded in faith and alive with movement — holding tradition and transformation together in an unfolding journey.

Logo usage

Primary logo

The English version features the Saint Brigid’s Cross motif alongside clean, modern typography. It should be used as the main logo in English-language contexts.

Irish-Language Logo

A version in Irish – Bealach Sionadach na hÉireann – is also available for download on this page. Both versions should be used respectfully according to context and audience.

Clear space and sizing

Maintain clear space equivalent to the height of the logo text on all sides.
Minimum size:
- Print: 25 mm wide
- Digital: 150 px wide

Incorrect usage

Please do not:

Alter proportions, colours, or rotation.
Add shadows, outlines, or gradients.
Place on low-contrast or busy backgrounds.
Combine with other graphics or logos without approval.

Colour palette

Role	Colour	HEX	RGB	CMYK
Primary Green	#2E6E33	(46, 110, 51)	77, 32, 100, 18
Secondary Green	#76B041	(118, 176, 65)	57, 0, 100, 0
Supporting Neutral	#F5F6F7	(245, 246, 247)	5, 3, 3, 0
Text / Accent	#002147	(0, 33, 71)	100, 80, 30, 40

Typography

Usage	Font	Weight	Notes
Logo	Montserrat Extra Bold	Extra Bold	Used exclusively for the wordmark.
Headings	Montserrat Bold	Bold	Clear and authoritative.
Body Text	Montserrat Regular	Regular	Clean and highly legible.
Emphasis	Montserrat SemiBold	SemiBold	For subheadings and highlights.

If you need assistance reproducing content, please contact Crysta Gunn at [email protected]

Imagery

Images used in Synodal materials should communicate journey, community, and listening.

Style: Natural light, authentic moments, calm composition.
Themes: Pathways, people in dialogue, creation, light, and togetherness.
Avoid: Overly stylised, abstract, or exclusive imagery.

Copyright notice:
A collection of approved copyright images is also available to download on this page.
When used, please credit:

Irish Synodal Pathway Archive

Applications

Digital: Use RGB colours for websites, presentations, and social media.
Print: Use CMYK equivalents for publications and signage.
Social Media: logo should appear centred with clear space and approved colour palette.
Partnerships: the logo may be accompanied by approved partner logos.