Proper Flag Etiquette: Flying the Christian flag over the American Flag. What is your response?

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:54:04 -0400

Personally, I think if you can't/won't show the American Flag proper respect, you shouldn't fly it. Period.
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(Note: Full article added by RP Staff.)

SHELBY, NC (WBTV) – In Cleveland County, Old Glory flies high. From shops, to homes, to houses of worship – the red, white and blue can be spotted on every street corner.But this Fourth of July weekend, one Shelby flag pole will be reassessing its priorities. On Sunday, Pastor Rit Varriale will raise the Christian flag above the American flag in front of Elizabeth Baptist Church.

“Our typical flag etiquette is to have the American flag above the Christian flag. But when you stop and think about it, it should be our commitment to God first, then our commitment to country,” Varriale said.

The controversial move is one that Varriale noticed his fellow pastor, Walter Wilson, doing down the road a few months ago at Focus Missionary Baptist Church.

“As I was changing the rope one day, the Lord just laid on me that he is first and when he told me that, I switched the flags around,” Wilson said.

Now, the two pastors are hoping to spark a movement across the country in light of the United States Supreme Courts recent ruling on same-sex marriage.

Varriale tells WBTV he believes Christians need to stand up just as the LGBT community has been doing recently.

“The reality is, they have been willing to sacrifice more and be more bold for their cause than the church of Jesus Christ for serving God, and that’s got to change,” Varriale said.

The decision is getting push-back online from some saying the move is disrespectful and unpatriotic. But this former Army Ranger says the move isn’t about not loving his country.

“I really don’t need a lecture on patriotism, I’m willing to give my life for my country. When you think of military motto’s, for example, God and country, God first and then country,” Varriale said.

The two pastors know the move is sure to turn heads, but say they’re okay with that.

“We know that not everyone is going to agree with that. But that’s not going to make us sit down and stop talking about what’s important,” Wilson said.

Wilson’s church will come together with Varriale’s church on Sunday morning for the flag raising. Service begins at 11 a.m.

http://800whistleblower.com/church-flies-christian-flag-above-american-flag/#

http://video.foxnews.com/v/ [login to see] 001/north-carolina-church-to-fly-christian-flag-over-american/?#sp=show-clips

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 11:43 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 11:43:05 -0400

NTP 13
"No other flags or pennants shall
be placed above or, if on the same
level, to the right of the national
flag. The only exception to this rule
is during church services conducted by
naval chaplains at sea for personnel of
the Navy, when the church or Jewish
worship pennant may be flown above the
national flag. The term "at sea" is
interpreted to mean on board a ship of
the U.S. Navy."
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/images/ntp13b.pdf

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 7 at 2015 11:43 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 11:43:33 -0400

The Curch Pennant.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 7 at 2015 11:49 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 11:49:14 -0400

Of course not. It's a church, not a sovereign state...

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 7 at 2015 11:50 AM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 11:50:25 -0400

Absolutely. From a Christian perspective, there is no higher authority than God. Anything else is idolatry. Also, "allowed" is a loaded term. Flag Code is simply a guideline and disallowing something, especially something like this, is a violation of the first amendment on more than one level.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Jul 7 at 2015 12:06 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:06:42 -0400

Burning US flags is ok. Burning Christian flags is ok. Fly them however and wherever you see fit (and have authority over).

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jul 7 at 2015 12:19 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:19:38 -0400

Looks like this church made a statement. And it seems that some heard the message. Might not agree with it. But, I sure like this message better than those who publicly desecrate the flag.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 7 at 2015 12:27 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:27:28 -0400

I'm not sure that's a sanctioned church pennant; I don't know what that flag really is... Ultimately, it will be up to heads smarter than mine to decide if it's right...

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 12:31 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:31:36 -0400

I totally agree with SPC Rob Hemenway .

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 12:43 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:43:35 -0400

We are here to defend the first amendment for all, whether they fly a flag above the U.S. Flag or decide that their feet belong above the U.S. flag.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 12:44 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:44:42 -0400

Who cares?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 7 at 2015 12:58 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:58:08 -0400

Nothing is above God!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 1:01 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:01:51 -0400

According to 4 U.S. Code § 7 - Position and manner of display (c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except 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. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations. (f) When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag’s right.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 7 at 2015 1:02 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:02:26 -0400

Makes it easier to spot "them".

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 7 at 2015 1:18 PM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:18:30 -0400

The church pennant, duh! :>) (the duh part was in no way intended to insult you as I know from personal experience that tone isn't always translated correctly over the Internet)

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 7 at 2015 1:20 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:20:56 -0400

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member I think it would be best to have on separate poles in the proper position at the church, if they want to fly both. Just my 2 cents.

Response by SFC Joseph Bosley made Jul 7 at 2015 1:32 PM

SFC Joseph Bosley — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:32:03 -0400

This goes alongside the debate previously over the teacher fired for walking on a US Flag in his classroom. Although its obviously against title 4, thanks to the Supreme Court there really isnt anything that can be done about it. Its all considered freedom of speech, even though the vast majority of us dont like it.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 7 at 2015 1:37 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:37:04 -0400

SPC Rob Hemenway I definitely see your points as well as the points presented by others. My recommendation for any church would be to have separate flagpoles and fly the flags separately based on the code for the American Flag. This would solve the issue, but we live in that free country where some places just don't get it or don't even try to get it right. If it were my church I would work with the pastor and elected church members to fix the issue.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 7 at 2015 1:44 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:44:36 -0400

From what I heard, you're not supposed to. But it's not the end of the world if you do.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Jul 7 at 2015 1:48 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:48:10 -0400

A Church pennant and as far as I know its only on a ship at sea. I could be wrong though.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 1:48 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:48:48 -0400

Not wanting to be that guy but they are not dipping the Ensign to the church flag. Dipping the ensign is a salute conducted by ships underway.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jul 7 at 2015 2:02 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 14:02:47 -0400

Etiquette is no. Why not put a second pole slightly higher?

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 7 at 2015 2:29 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 14:29:05 -0400

Absolute BS. Tired of these churches deciding what they can do that overrides civil law. The flag code is an example.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 2:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 14:44:56 -0400

Does the church own the property? Then they can fly it upside down, diagonally, below or above. Land of the free, whether you agree with it or not. If I were to drive by their church I would think their ignorant but my life would still be pretty awesome and my rights would not be infringed.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Jul 7 at 2015 3:37 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 15:37:02 -0400

Tough situation, most Christian soldiers believe God comes first. As the rules of etiquette are just that rules and not laws, than a church has every right to put God above everything else. I love America and everything she stands for, and Freedom of speech is one of the right granted by our Creator, (not the government) so I would say, don't go off the deep end on this as at least they are not burning the flag

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jul 7 at 2015 5:06 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 17:06:04 -0400

I don't know of ANY. The US Ensign responds to dips, dip for dip, but does not initiate any.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jul 7 at 2015 5:10 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 17:10:02 -0400

I may have answered this in the wrong place. So far as I know, the US flag may be dipped, dip for dip, in response to dips from a foreign vessel. We do NOT, however, initiate dips. Dipping and flying an Ensign below a church pennant are not the same thing.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Jul 7 at 2015 5:22 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 17:22:42 -0400

Arrest them. Pure and simple. It is illegal to fly another flag over the United States Flag on the same pole.

Response by PO2 William Smith made Jul 7 at 2015 5:49 PM

PO2 William Smith — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 17:49:21 -0400

I personally agree with the pastor. I have always heard in 66+ years that we are to respect and love God and Country which I do. I applaud the pastor and I hope we are not disrespecting our flags.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 6:35 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 18:35:14 -0400

Thank you all for the great and lively debate. Keep up the great opinions!

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jul 7 at 2015 6:40 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 18:40:20 -0400

This is wrong period, wrong, there's no argument that it is wrong.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Jul 7 at 2015 7:24 PM

SGT Scott Henderson — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:24:46 -0400

I don't think you should fly ANY flag higher than the American flag. I read someones post saying that they have no problem with it because "...there is no authority higher than god." To that I say; your full of crap. It is not Idolatry or an abridgment of 1st Amendment rights. Putting other things ahead of our loyalty to our country is most likely the main reason America is on a downward spiral now.

Response by PO3 William Smith made Jul 7 at 2015 9:04 PM

PO3 William Smith — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 21:04:13 -0400

The United States flag dips to no flag and to no earthly king. I do understand the point the church is making though as a result of this latest SCOTUS screw up. The government has no business meddling in marriage and, in fact, even failed to define marriage at all in the SCOTUS decision.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Jul 7 at 2015 10:18 PM

PO1 Kerry French — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 22:18:48 -0400

at sea the church pennant is flown. I am not sure how I feel about this... but someone told me that the UN flag is authorized to fly above our flag. For that, I would go to jail... Not in my sight... not on my watch!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 7:40 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 07:40:44 -0400

Thomas Jefferson wrote with respect to the First Amendment and its restriction on the legislative branch of the federal government in an 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists (a religious minority concerned about the dominant position of the Congregationalist church in Connecticut):

Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties. -Thomas Jefferson

As much as people want to inject God into everything there isn't a place. God doesn't have any actual dominance over the Unitied States. Christians like to believe that and also that we are a Christian nation but that is not the case. We are a county of freedom of religion. It was wrote that way so religion can't interdict in our government policing the people. Being grateful your faith is great. But you shouldn't dismiss the Nation due to you faith and allegiance to it. As Jefferson said " the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions." As much as you may say that your faith and belief in it is a fact I will gladly introduce you a Jewish, Hindu, and a one of the many other followers of their faith.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 8:00 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 08:00:37 -0400

With due respect it is just another divisive measure.

It is time to do as we learned in kindergarten and play by the rules.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 8:24 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 08:24:36 -0400

As a follower of Christ I understand what the pastor and his congregation are trying to show/say by doing this. This does not make it right. I do not agree with the church on this one. I am all for first amendment rights, but the bible does not condone this type of action/behavior. 1 Corinthians 8:9 and I paraprase, we as Christians should not do anything that causes another to stumble. By doing this the church has shut out those that may need and want to hear the word. I respect everyone and try to love with a Godly love. To me this action just separates the church from the people we should be trying to bring in/help.

Response by SSG Joseph Leckie made Jul 8 at 2015 8:55 AM

SSG Joseph Leckie — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 08:55:18 -0400

NO flag should be flown over the US Flag.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 11:44 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 11:44:44 -0400

Texas ignores your silly Flag Code.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 2:54 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 14:54:24 -0400

The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions
Section 7, Paragraph 'C'
"No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the
right of the flag of the United States of America, except 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. No person
shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international
flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to or in place
of the flag of the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided,
That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice
heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of
superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal
prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the
headquarters of the United Nations."
http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf

Response by PO1 Mike Edgecomb made Jul 9 at 2015 6:43 AM

PO1 Mike Edgecomb — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 06:43:51 -0400

NO flag should be flown over the US Flag.

Response by PO1 Mike Edgecomb made Jul 9 at 2015 6:46 AM

PO1 Mike Edgecomb — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 06:46:43 -0400

The U.S. Navy dips the U.S. ensign only in return to the dip rendered by another ship. Navy Regulations, article 1263: "When any vessel, under United States registry or the registry of a nation formally recognized by the Government of the United States, salutes a ship of the Navy by dipping her ensign, it shall be answered dip for dip. If not already being displayed, the national ensign shall be hoisted for the purpose of answering the dip. An ensign being displayed at half-mast shall be hoisted to the truck or peak before a dip is answered.

2. No ship of the Navy shall dip the national ensign unless in return for such compliment."

Response by SPC Kelli Walker (Soileau) made Jul 9 at 2015 5:43 PM

SPC Kelli Walker (Soileau) — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 17:43:56 -0400

It goes against the flag etiquette, but so does printing it all over disposable items such as paper plates, yet companies do it every year for the 4th of July and no one says a word. I definitely don't agree with putting anything above the US flag, but I'm just a small fish in a vast ocean of differing opinions. With everything else going on in the world, I think what the Christians are doing is minuscule.

Response by LCpl Bryan Martin made Jul 9 at 2015 5:44 PM

LCpl Bryan Martin — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 17:44:44 -0400

No flag should be placed above the American flag period

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 6:07 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 18:07:17 -0400

Could it be a statement? "One nation under God"

Response by SGT KellyAnn Piergiorgi made Jul 9 at 2015 6:24 PM

SGT KellyAnn Piergiorgi — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 18:24:03 -0400

I don't think it's right the Christian flag will fly above the American flag whether at sea or not. No other flag should become first to the American flag.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Jul 9 at 2015 7:07 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 19:07:40 -0400

I agree... If you can't or refuse to show the American Flag the proper respect, then you shouldn't fly it at all...

Response by PO3 Michael Cardinale made Jul 9 at 2015 8:13 PM

PO3 Michael Cardinale — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 20:13:57 -0400

The Christian Flag should not be above the our National Colors ever. The United States is not Christian Nation, we represent all religions and discriminate against none.

Response by SGT Joshua Ingram made Jul 9 at 2015 8:24 PM

SGT Joshua Ingram — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 20:24:23 -0400

Unless its changed, upon entering the military, the mantra has been God, country, family. NTP 13 or not many a soldier has spent time in prayer or calling upon the Almighty. I see no disrespect to the country or the Stars and Stripes but having this hoisted above it.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 11:14 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:14:17 -0400

It's disrespectful. I can't see anything but that.

Let me add to this. Our nation is a secular country, created that way on purpose by our founding fathers. Freedom transcends all religions and ideologies (First Amendment). This church is on American soil. I don't care if its Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or anything else. They follow the laws of the land, OUR laws. No flag will be flown above the American flag on American soil, period.

Response by PVT David Seguin made Jul 9 at 2015 11:15 PM

PVT David Seguin — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:15:42 -0400

what agency says for god and country? just wondering... i can do what i want in this country if you are going to allow these idiots to burn flags, stomp on them, and just about the rest of the insanity, but your opinion is all good, like you, i may not agree with you, but i will die to defend both your right to say it, as well as my own right. etiquette of flags being flown, what about the way that people are treating the flag. honestly, i do not care, it's not the law because if it was the law, then the law would also have to stand for the way normal citizens are "taking care of" the american flag.. just saying.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 9 at 2015 11:16 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:16:50 -0400

It's so terrible. They are saying to put God first maybe.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 11:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:31:41 -0400

There are several reasons that may be in play. First, they may believe that religion has a priority over country. They may be just being disrespectful. They may be ignorant, although in this day and age with internet access I cannot see how. They may just be attention whores. It may be a sad mixture of all the above. Or it may be something more devious and sinister than I can imagine. As a Chaplain Assistant we took pride in always displaying the colors properly in honor to all who served and died for them.

Response by SSG Melissa Stephens Alexander made Jul 10 at 2015 12:05 AM

SSG Melissa Stephens Alexander — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:05:38 -0400

umm no there is proper flag etiquette and no other before American flag. I am proud christian and Bama proud Roll Tide!!. However I have my flags on my porch in the proper order out of respect for the fact I fought for the flag and where has all of American pride gone. I understand god, country corps family. Does anyone have any respect on fundamental liberties and any history.. Stand up people and stand proud and take this country back we Americans are losing this country and history will repeat itself. Mark my words anyone who is godfearing american knows what I am talking about.... God bless USA

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Jul 10 at 2015 12:12 AM

SPC George Rudenko — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:12:43 -0400

Noooo, no flag ever flies in a higher position than Old Glory

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 12:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:28:10 -0400

that needs to change

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 10 at 2015 12:39 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:39:33 -0400

No flag should fly higher than the American flag.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 2:19 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 02:19:55 -0400

Gonna go with no. Render unto Caesar and all that.

Further thought, if any of the the other recent disrespects to the colors have pissed you off in the last three to four months, why doesn't this disrespect tick you off either?

I'm a spiritual man, and I'm a minister for my particular sect, but my country is a separate kettle of fish from my faith. Allegiance is not one track where one has to be higher than the other. You can be loyal and show respect to your country while following your faith. People do it every day.

Response by PV2 Lance Stewart made Jul 10 at 2015 12:43 PM

PV2 Lance Stewart — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 12:43:14 -0400

I swear these religious nuts can get away with anything these days... It disgusts me.... One idiot on another sight said god comes before her own kids, poor kids

Response by SFC Benjamin Parsons made Jul 10 at 2015 8:09 PM

SFC Benjamin Parsons — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:09:25 -0400

First of all I don't see this as a 'life or death' issue.
The Christian or Church flag is frequently found in the position of precedence (speaker's right) in sanctuaries.
No disrespect intended. And a valid and honest argument for the practice of putting God first.
Okay by me.

Response by SGT Jimmy Bray made Nov 15 at 2015 4:30 PM

SGT Jimmy Bray — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 16:30:39 -0500

God is before country!

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 15 at 2016 11:33 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:33:56 -0500

US Flag Code Paragraph 7 Section C:
c. No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except 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. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.

Response by MSgt Jim Bain made Feb 15 at 2016 12:54 PM

MSgt Jim Bain — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:54:13 -0500

Stars and Stripes always on the top, that's the rule!!!!

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Nov 2 at 2016 2:09 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 14:09:38 -0400

That should never happen. Anyone who wants to fly the American Flag by all means should do so but along with that right comes the responsibility know and follow federal flag standards. The American ALWAYS sits atop any other flag or pennant on the same pole or near by poles.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 2 at 2016 9:49 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 21:49:22 -0400

US on Top...

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 19 at 2017 7:06 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 19 May 2017 07:06:22 -0400

I have two flags on one pole, the American flag and the U S Army flag, American flag first(on top), U S Army flag next, proper flag respect.

Response by SFC Terry H made May 21 at 2018 9:47 AM

SFC Terry H — Mon, 21 May 2018 09:47:15 -0400

I serve 27 1/2 years I serve God and then country I don’t see why it shouldn’t be that way, Are We denying God before country?

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jul 18 at 2018 10:03 AM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 10:03:29 -0400

Onboard a Navy ship or base the chaplains pennant is flown at top of staff noting services in progress... I know it’s not abord a Navy ship or station, I see moth wrong for a clergy to do the same with a church flag for Sunday service or other days a special service is conducted. Take it down after..

Response by SSG Nana Togonmessie Abloklu Danfira Adedufira made Jul 22 at 2018 7:12 PM

SSG Nana Togonmessie Abloklu Danfira Adedufira — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 19:12:19 -0400

A person should announce their priorities. They're putting their Christianity first in their life and thinking. At this point you should ask yourself if you've both got the same standards of fairness and bias but at least now you know you need to ask that question.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 22 at 2018 9:13 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 21:13:15 -0400

The only service which by the US Flag code, that I know of is the USN during Church Services ONLY.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 22 at 2018 9:48 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 21:48:21 -0400

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member Thank you for the post.

Without the American Flag and the Freedoms it stands for, there would not Freedom of Religion in America!

In my opinion, someone is really confused about their “Freedoms”!

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 22 at 2018 10:57 PM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 22:57:30 -0400

My thoughts:
1) I'm a christian. I had no idea their was such a thing as a Christian Flag. It kind of smacks of idolatry.
2) The Pastor's making a point, but I don't really think God wants or needs him to pick this fight. I doubt that conversion efforts succeed starting out poking someone with a stick.
3) The NTP 13 is not a criminal code nor are their civil penalties.
4) It's a free country.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Jul 22 at 2018 11:48 PM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 23:48:37 -0400

The flag shown in photo was created in 1897 and adopted in 1942 by the Federal Council of Churches, a group of Protestant religion. Christianity survived for over 1860 years without a flag. About 400 years for Protestants. There is no Roman Catholic flag other than the canton of the Holy See.

The Church Pennant is the only flag authorized to fly above or at the same point of hoist as the National Ensign however it can only be done at sea and only during the hours of a divine service.

A WWII United Methodist Chaplain drafted rules on usage of the Christian flag as shown in article. This is one of his rules; "When the Christian flag is on the same flagpole with any other flag, the Christian flag receives the top position." He believed "Christ above all." And, Christ is without borders. This idealism leads into another problem.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 23 at 2018 7:38 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 07:38:33 -0400

We just saw a demonstration of Maxine Waters constituents dancing around an American flag being stomped on and burned, yet this gets our collective undies in a bunch. Priorities, folks

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 23 at 2018 1:52 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 13:52:58 -0400

The trees in the background lead me to believe that their is not a US Navy Vessel at seaso I would say this kicks into effect:

Paragraph 6: (c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the
right of the flag of the United States of America, except 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.

From The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions
https://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf

RL30243.pdf

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Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Jul 23 at 2018 3:53 PM

LTC Thomas Tennant — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 15:53:00 -0400

Wrong. Not biblical

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jul 23 at 2018 7:49 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 19:49:56 -0400

Never knew God had a flag. For some odd reason I don’t remember it at all in ANY biblical verse or chapter. Placing God before country. Someone is just begging for attention. Maybe Todd Starnes should write an oped about this. What about all the other faiths that make up the branches? Social media would shut down if someone had an Islamic flag above the Colors and used the same argument. There would be protests, tweets, hearings, and a random former AF TI who would miraculously show up with a camera crew to document how ‘disrespectful’ this is. Palin would even tout her sons (cough cough) selfless service and call this a slap in the face to vets who served honorably.
God didn’t tell you anything. You know someone will make this go viral and you’ll reap the ‘fans of freedom’ for the next 15 minutes. ‘Murcia!!!

Response by TSgt Raul Losoya made Dec 4 at 2018 4:44 PM

TSgt Raul Losoya — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 16:44:02 -0500

I personally feel that no flag ever should fly above the American flag.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2018 6:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:01:52 -0500

I dont think the Flag has any place in church.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2018 6:09 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:09:01 -0500

I your Allegiance is to Earthly power over Heavenly power you're being a Christian wrong.

Response by COL John McClellan made Feb 20 at 2019 8:54 AM

COL John McClellan — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 08:54:49 -0500

36 USC is clear on this...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2019 1:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 13:42:15 -0500

It disappoints me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2019 2:29 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:29:59 -0500

Flag is regularly improperly displayed, improperly used for commercial purposes, worn as clothing, burned, trampled, and otherwise disrespected. This is just another example. Not worth more time than it took to write this.