Flag Code
- When the Christian Flag is on the floor level, the Christian Flag is
placed to the right, front, of the congregation and outside of the
communion
railing. - When the Christian flag is placed within the chancel, communion railing or choir loft, the Christian Flag is placed to the right side of the altar, of the clergymen, and of the choir as they face the congregation.
- When the Christian flag is displayed with a national flag and/or denominational flag:
- The national flag and/or other flags may be placed symmetrically on
the opposite side of the sanctuary and on the same level as the Christian
Flag.
- If desired, it is also proper to place the Christian and national flags side-by-side wherever stationed in the church, thus symbolizing both the spiritual and patriotic loyalties of the congregation.
- When the flags are placed side-by-side, the Christian Flag is always stationed on the right of all other flags.
- The Christian Flag never dips to any other flag. It may properly dip to the altar cross or processional cross.
- Use of the Christian flag in other situations:
- Where a Cross is carried in a processional, the cross leads, followed by the Christian Flag.
- In a single-column processional, the Christian Flag precedes all other flags.
- In a double-column processional, the Christian Flag is on the right.
- When the Christian flag is on the same flagpole with any other flag, the Christian Flag receives the top position.
- Where the Christian Flag and another Flag are on separate poles, the Christian Flag is on the right as it faces the street or audience.
- In placing the Christian Flag staff in its supporting base, it should be adjusted so that the blue canton and Cross are turned toward the congregation.
History of the flag code
The code for honourable placement of the Christian flag arose out of crisis. A highly motivated young Methodist clergyman, The Reverend James Russell Pollock, freshly graduated from Yale University was serving his first full-time appointment. The year was 1938. The clouds of World War II darkened Europe and hung like a shroud over the world. In this setting, an unexpected problem arose for the young minister. To his mind the motto "Christ Above All" and the "Name Above Every Name" meant all honour at all times to Christ and the Cross. With no hesitancy he placed the new Christian flag, which had just been purchased, at his right in the chancel, and the national flag symmetrically opposite. All the laws of heraldry, the Apostles' Creed, New Testament references and social usage designated honour to the right-hand side. He had not anticipated the stir this was to cause. He was approached by some sincere and questioning members. They showed him a pamphlet put out by a patriotic group that pictured the national emblem in the place of honour, whereas he had put the Christian flag in the place of honour. His explanations fell on deaf ears. One of the questioners holding a pamphlet then said to him, "We have the diagrams right here in print. What do you have in writing?" There was nothing in writing to turn to concerning the correct usage of the Christian Flag in 1938. Furthermore, the nation was gearing for war. Civilians were flag-sensitive and overreactive. The national and Christian flags were secretly switched during the week. What did he have in writing? At that time, nothing. All he had was a deep conviction that Christ and His Cross should never come second. The young minister took the whole question to his annual church conference. He prepared and presented the written regulations which he felt would comprise a true Christian Code. It was immediately adopted at The Reverend Pollock's Annual Conference, and on 23 January 1942, the Federal Council of Churches had issued a resolution stating that any religious symbol such as the cross or a flag should have "the place of highest honor" in all church displays.