American and Christian Flags in Church?

Should churches display the American and Christian flags in their buildings, sanctuaries, and even chancels? How did these flags make their way into the church in the first place?

[cbrown]

As a Catholic, I agree with you 100% on the false ecumenism that the Christian flag's designer proposed. So, props to the Lutherans who reinterpreted the meaning. Should go without saying that civil flags have no place decorating the sacred space of any church, most especially those churches that have sacred spaces like altars.

Also thank you for the history lesson! This was very informative, and I have the feeling that, though you don't mention it specifically, the same surge of patriotism most likely brought US flags into Catholic churches as well.

[AnonymousJE]

Super excited about the new ATP book! Also, I’d rather have a Lutheran Rose flag in place of the Christian flag if we have to have flags up front. Although, the two kingdoms explanation makes it more acceptable. But yes, I’d rather have a big beautiful crucifix up front and keep the flags outside. All the love to America and its flag though.

[BirdDogey]

I haven't attended a LCMS church since my childhood that had the flags on display. Not a fan. One of the strengths of Confessional Lutheranism is the aversion to politics from the pulpit.

[toddberner]

I've always seen the American flag in its presence somewhere in the building as that Cezar's is Ceszar's and what's God's is God's and that WE ARE citizens of a nation created and given to us by God, and nothing more.
And, the Christian flag as that of Christmas trees....items we uses to interpret for the better

[stevej]

This seems to be a denomination-specific issue. Most contemporary churches I have attended have never had the American flag in the sanctuary, let alone near the pulpit.

[helenhollis]

"Christian " flags? Who decides this? 😅

[cateclism]

I know enough Latin to get through the Divine Service, but my German isn't that good! I'm glad it's all in English!

[antoniodesousa]

In Portugal, I've never seen any national flag within a church building i e tge building where the mass us held. In Canada it depends on the denomination and parish. I don't like it.

[drewpanyko]

Thank you for the history lesson, Pastor. I'm glad to know that today, i learned something i did not know yesterday! Soli Deo Gloria!

[SlovakLutheranMonarchist]

Actually we have flags too outside of America.
In my church Serbian, Slovak and a flag with Luther Rose are displayed in the congregation of the bishop.
(Since we are an ethnic Slovak Lutheran church in Serbia)

[tomkoon]

What about displaying the UN Flag?

I have seen one Lutheran church that had several national flags in its stain glass windows mostly from predominantly Lutheran countries.

In my German-American Lutheran church there was a brass plaque listing those congregation members who had participated in the US military in WWI. In my dad's boyhood church, there was a plaque listing those congregation members who fought in WWII for the US and a loyalty oath to the US on a preprinted form from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod with the names of the same men.