Question about Church and Flag Etiquette

21 Jan 2015 | Red Horse

[Rides_A_Red_Horse]

A funny thing happened at Church...

[Rides_A_Red_Horse]

My wife and I noticed a church we recently began attending flies the "Christian Flag" above the U.S. Flag on the same flag pole.

I approached the pastor and pointed out this violated the U.S. Flag Code (Public Law). He smiled and said our allegiance is to God. I responded God did not sanction this particular flag. He smiled but did not respond. As I type this I realize the U.S. Flag is posted on the in the sanctuary at the place of honor (at it's own right but to the viewers left).

It seems to me the U.S. Flag should be given the higher place. Am I wrong to believe this this is a genuine case of "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's?"

I'd appreciate any input from fellow Christian Patriots.

[2ndDivisionVet]

The clergyman is wrong and you are correct.

[workerbee]

I really don’t know the technical etiquette, but on an outdoor flagpole, it seems to me that NO FLAG should fly above the American flag, regardless of what it symbolizes.

[MeshugeMikey]

two flag poles one on each side of the front of the sanctuary should eliminate any friction

[Rides_A_Red_Horse]

I’m at a loss to explain it to him.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Just print out the code and have him read it.

[Rides_A_Red_Horse]

He’s got the flags posted correctly in the main assembly area.

Outside the building he has both flags on the pole with the U.S. Flag below.

I’m sure it’s to “symbolize” God above everything else but it’s in violating of law and the “Christian Flag” is not something sanctioned by God.

[PROCON]

We all live in America. The flagpole is used to display the American flag.

I am a Christian but a have a problem with a Christian flag.

Why do we need a flag, we have Jesus and the Bible.

Pastor is being legalistic.

[ifinnegan]

I believe you are correct.

[Rides_A_Red_Horse]

I’ve got something from my local American Legion but I doubt he’ll listen.

God forgive me for saying this but I get the impression he’s more concerned with “being right” than seeing truth. He comes across like someone itching for a conflict over this.

[reed13k]

He’s not fully incorrect. On naval ships the church pennant is flown above the ensign during church services. If I remember correctly when the U.S. and church flag are both on the same level inside a church ( on the raised section or on the pew section) the church flag is given the position of honor to the right as it is God’s house.

It would not be incorrect for him to fly the church flag above the U.S. flag during church service hours.

[Seniram US]

No flag or pennant is permitted to be flown above or to the right of the U. S. flag at the same level, with the exception of the church pennant , which is permitted to be flown above the Stars and Stripes, which is permitted to be flown above the Stars and Stripes during religious services at sea.

The above is from the flag code.

[reed13k]

The naval church flag is technically a pennant. Fyi

[Romulus]

One religion is exactly the right number to have. Choose carefully.

[Star Traveler]

Tell him you’re leaving if he doesn’t hang the U.S. Flag correctly!

[grcuster]

The following is from the Christian Flag Code [Source] 1.When the Christian flag is on the floor level, the Christian flag is placed to the right, front, of the congregation and outside of the communion railing. 2.When the Christian flag is placed within the chancel, communion railing or choir loft, the Christian flag is placed to the right side of the altar, of the clergymen, and of the choir as they face the congregation. 3.When the Christian flag is displayed with the American flag and/or other flags: ◦The American flag and/or other flags may be placed symmetrically on the opposite side of the sanctuary and on the same level as the Christian flag. ◦If desired, it is also proper to place the Christian and national flags side-by-side wherever stationed in the church, thus symbolizing both the spiritual and patriotic loyalties of the congregation. ◦When the flags are placed side-by-side, the Christian flag is always stationed on the right of all other flags. ◦The Christian flag never dips to any other flag. It may properly dip to the altar Cross. http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/christianflagcode.htm I found this.

[DakotaGator]

The Pastor is wrong. The only instance where it is correct to fly anything above the U.S. Flag is during church services on a US Navy vessel. And then it is the “church pennant” which is flown.

Here’s a link to assist; http://www.legion.org/flag/questions-answers/91487/it-permissible-display-another-flag-or-pennant-above-flag-united-states

[ansel12]

Very tacky, tell him his character is in question and that he needs to quit playing a cheesy game that reflects poorly on him and damages his image as mature and trustworthy.

[Garfunkel Oates]

Wow. I wasn't 100 percent sure what a Christian flag was. I had to Google it. There is a Christian flag pledge of allegiance too!

"I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Saviour for whose kingdom it stands; one brotherhood, uniting all mankind in service and in love."

[smokingfrog]

Outside the building he has both flags on the pole with the U.S. Flag below.

That's wrong.