Expert: Dr. Billy Kryger - 5/31/2009

Question
We want to show our patriotism at our small church and want to know if it is kosher to put the american flag up at our church.  If so we would like to know the placement of the flag.  should the american flag go under the christian flag ??

thanks

Answer
Carol:
    I did a little research and this is what I came up with:


How do we display the US flag with the Christian Flag?

The challenge is which flag should be in the position of prominence. Section 7k of the Flag Code states:

When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, 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 or to the right of the audience.

Does God come before country? Are secular and sacred separate spheres? In the 1840s the Nativist Riots were directed against Catholics fearing sovereignty of the Pope over the laws of the country. We advise not making a political issue over the flags. Some choose not to fly the US flag inside the church, to avoid the conflict. Most prefer to have the US flag in the church, to recognize that our Freedom of Religion is one of the extraordinary distinguishing and precious freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution.

When flown on an outdoor flagpole:  The Christian flag may fly above the US flag only "during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy" (Flag Code, Section 7c).

One option, to be consistent with both the US Flag Code and the Christian Flag Code, is to place the US flag at the far left (congregation's perspective) and the Christian flag to the right, front, of the congregation and outside of the communion railing. Both flags should be at the same height and of approximately the same size.


    Hope this helps.