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Flags in Churches

M

Marla

New Member
I Am Blessed 17 said:
We are pledging and to the Savior for Whose Kingdom it stands

No idolatry here. We are saluting our Savior, not bowing down to a flag.
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That puts it into perspective
 
NaasPreacher (C4K)

NaasPreacher (C4K)

Well-Known Member
donnA said:
There are laws about displaying the US flag. If you display a Christian flag you must also display the US flag, it is to always be on the same side (as someone noted above, which side I don't recall). If you display a Christian flag outside on a flag pole, you by law must display the US flag, which must be displayed higher then the Christian flag. To display the Christian flag without the US flag in a public place (church) is a criminal act that just isn't necessary.
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The flag code is this.

The US flag always is to be on "it's own right." If on a platform it should be on the speakers right, if it is on the floor it should be on the congregation's right. No "law" so speak here, simply a code of practice.

Saying that, I really don't know what US churches uniquely developed the practice of have a national flag in church. It would be interesting to find out why. I personally have never been in a church outside the US that displayed the national flag.
 
E

EdSutton

New Member
C4K said:
The flag code is this.

The US flag always is to be on "it's own right." If on a platform it should be on the speakers right, if it is on the floor it should be on the congregation's right. No "law" so speak here, simply a code of practice.

Saying that, I really don't know what US churches uniquely developed the practice of have a national flag in church. It would be interesting to find out why. I personally have never been in a church outside the US that displayed the national flag.
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C4K is correct on a "flag code". A private entity (yes, that includes a church) may display the flag, as he, she, or it/they deem appropriate. Here is a listing of some common flag 'suggestions' codes and questions.

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

Personally, I have seen the American flag and the Christian flag displayed on both sides of our local church auditorium, over time. I never got particularly interested in which exact position was technically correct, and frankly would be far more concerned about intentional disrespect to these flags, because of what they symbolize, than about exact proper ettiquette by any, including me, who do not know all the exact details of proper ettiquette and customs.

Ed
 
NaasPreacher (C4K)

NaasPreacher (C4K)

Well-Known Member
I stand corrected. I am showing my age :)

12. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium on or off a podium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker (to the right of the audience). Please note that the old guidelines differed from this updated and simplified one.
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R

rbell

Active Member
donnA said:
There are laws about displaying the US flag. If you display a Christian flag you must also display the US flag, it is to always be on the same side (as someone noted above, which side I don't recall). If you display a Christian flag outside on a flag pole, you by law must display the US flag, which must be displayed higher then the Christian flag. To display the Christian flag without the US flag in a public place (church) is a criminal act that just isn't necessary.
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Is the US flag code an actual civil body of laws? In other words...is flying the flag improperly poor protocol, or is it actually criminal?

Just wondering...

EDIT: Nevermind...I guess one day I'll learn to read the posts before asking questions that got answered. :D
 
E

EdSutton

New Member
rbell said:
Is the US flag code an actual civil body of laws? In other words...is flying the flag improperly poor protocol, or is it actually criminal?

Just wondering...

EDIT: Nevermind...I guess one day I'll learn to read the posts before asking questions that got answered. :D
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There are no prenalties, criminal or civil, for 'breaking' the flag code, enacted into law, to my knowledge.

Ed.
 
B

billwald

New Member
Bull pippy. A "Christian" flag would have to be authorized by an ecumenical council. There has been no ecumenical councils for a thousand or so years.
 
D

donnA

Active Member
rbell said:
Is the US flag code an actual civil body of laws? In other words...is flying the flag improperly poor protocol, or is it actually criminal?

Just wondering...

EDIT: Nevermind...I guess one day I'll learn to read the posts before asking questions that got answered. :D
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When our church did some investigation on it they found there are some practices of displaying the flag that were indeed against the law.
 
B

Believer05

New Member
donnA said:
There are laws about displaying the US flag. If you display a Christian flag you must also display the US flag, it is to always be on the same side (as someone noted above, which side I don't recall). If you display a Christian flag outside on a flag pole, you by law must display the US flag, which must be displayed higher then the Christian flag. To display the Christian flag without the US flag in a public place (church) is a criminal act that just isn't necessary.
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Our church has decided that the American flag should not be displayed outside our church, however it is displayed inside our church, the pledge of allegiance is said in our AWANA Club Meetings, but I cannot understand this, our religious freedoms are due to those who died defending these rights, the American flag was always displayed at my church when I was a child, why do we honor veterans and sing their praises in church but refuse to display it outside our churches, if we cannot display the flag of our country outside we should not sing it’s praises inside the church, I’m now looking for a church that is not hiding patriotism behind closed doors trying to not offend the left wingers of this world
 
rsr

rsr

<b> 7,000 posts club</b>
Moderator
It's an American invention, a product of the Cold War. Pretty silly.
 
rsr

rsr

<b> 7,000 posts club</b>
Moderator
Believer05 said:
Our church has decided that the American flag should not be displayed outside our church, however it is displayed inside our church, the pledge of allegiance is said in our AWANA Club Meetings, but I cannot understand this, our religious freedoms are due to those who died defending these rights, the American flag was always displayed at my church when I was a child, why do we honor veterans and sing their praises in church but refuse to display it outside our churches, if we cannot display the flag of our country outside we should not sing it’s praises inside the church, I’m now looking for a church that is not hiding patriotism behind closed doors trying to not offend the left wingers of this world
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I see no reason for an American flag to be posted inside or outside a church. A civil religion ill-becomes Baptists. If you want it, fine. But I can't see that it adds anything to true religion.
 
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