Coat of Arms of the Diocese of Bombay

The Mitre (Bishop’s Hat)

Authority to teach, shepherd, and guard the Church.

Numbers 27:18–23 — Laying on of hands and passing of spiritual authority.
1 Timothy 3:1–2 — Qualifications for a bishop; leadership in the household of God.
Acts 20:28 — “The Holy Spirit has made you overseers… to shepherd the Church of God.”

The mitre symbolizes spiritual oversight and pastoral responsibility.

The Pastoral Staff (Crozier)

The bishop as shepherd — guiding, protecting, and caring for the flock.

Psalm 23:1–4 — “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
John 10:11 — Jesus as the Good Shepherd; all pastors shepherd under Christ.
1 Peter 5:2–3 — “Shepherd the flock of God among you.”

Symbol of guidance, correction, protection, and pastoral care.

The Key

The key is usually linked to the authority of binding and loosing.

Matthew 16:19 — “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…”
Revelation 3:7 — Christ holds the key of David, opening what no one can shut.
Isaiah 22:22 — Key of the house of David, symbolizing governance and authority.

Symbol of spiritual authority, teaching, and safeguarding doctrine.

The Crossed Staff and Key

When crossed, they represent combined pastoral authority and apostolic teaching.

The crozier = shepherding
The key = governing and teaching
Together they signify leadership under Christ’s authority.

The Crowns

Crowns in Scripture symbolize victory, glory, eternal reward, and the kingship of Christ.

Revelation 19:12 — “On His head were many crowns.”
2 Timothy 4:8 — “The crown of righteousness.”
James 1:12 — “The crown of life.”
1 Peter 5:4 — “The unfading crown of glory.”

The crowns may represent:
• Christ the King (primary crown above)
• The reward of the faithful (crown below)
• Or the union of spiritual and earthly authority under God’s reign.

The Shield

The shield often symbolizes faith and divine protection.

Ephesians 6:16 — “The shield of faith.”
Psalm 28:7; 33:20 — Protection by God.

The ornate gold design reflects divine glory and the beauty of God’s house.