This Sunday also happens to be Flag Day and my sister’s birthday.
Thousands of churches have flags in their sanctuary, and I can’t for the life of me understand why.
The U.S. flag ought to be in government buildings, banks and schools, but not in churches.
What about the Christian flag?
What about it? What possible service does this flag render? It came into being over 100 years ago and today, it, too, can be found in tens of thousands of churches. Again. Why?
Here is a brief liturgy for the Christian flag—from one of many Web sites about the Christian flag:
THE AFFIRMATION OF LOYALTY TO THE CHRISTIAN FLAG
The Affirmation of Loyalty to the Christian Flag is a sacred commitment. Let the congregation celebrate its loyalty to the Christian flag and the Cross which it bears by extending to it appropriate recognition and honor.
The minister or lay person will proceed as follows, saying:
1. Let us stand facing the Christian flag.
2. Let us repeat the Affirmation of Loyalty in unison.
“I affirm my loyalty to the Christian Flag and to our savior whose cross it bears, one spiritual fellowship under that cross, uniting us in service and love.”
3. Let each person conclude the Affirmation with a slight but positive nod to the Flag. The congregation may now sing one or more verses from a hymn of its choice, such as “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus,” or other appropriate selection.
4. Let us now participate in our Christian Fellowship by holding hands in an inclusive chain from person to person and pew to pew during the concluding prayer. The minister or lay person presiding will offer here a brief appropriate prayer, marking the conclusion of this celebration of the Affirmation of Loyalty to the Christian Flag.
Say what? Pledging loyalty to the Christian flag is a sacred commitment. I never knew that. A “slight nod” to the Flag? That’s just crazy.
Get these flags out of our worship space.
And preach something about who and what is worthy of our loyalty.
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