Roman cope "Pelican and coat of arms"

Gold has long been associated with the church, particularly within Catholicism, due to its status as a precious metal and subsequent association with a royal or divine being. In many churches, gold has been used to decorate or to symbolize important elements of worship, and can also represent monetary offerings. Gold is also symbolic of God and divine authority, love, hope and light amongst some religions, while also representing growth and potential blessing from a higher power.