American Flag in Sanctuary

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I’m on our parish council, and the question came up about having an American flag (as well as a Papal flag) on display.

It seems that a number of years ago (well before I moved here), our church had these flags hanging from the ceiling. Remodeling and the addition of a new sound system necessitated the removal of these flags, and now an usher and American Legion member has suggested that we return the flag to a place of prominence.

I’m certainly in favor of having an American flag on display; I’m just not too keen on having it actually in the sanctuary. There are varying opinions on the council, and I’d like to elicit other opinions from this group.

I know the USCCB doesn’t have any regulations regarding this.

A question posted on another website () elicited this response (in part):

This was not even a question before World War II when Bishop Fulton Sheen, against any liturgical query or consultation, advised church members to put a flag in the sanctuary to remember those at war. In fact, this only seems to be an American church issue.

The USA Bishops Committee on the Liturgy document Environment and Art in Catholic Worship [1978] advised us for years saying in paragraph 101:

Although the art and decoration of the liturgical space will be that of the local culture, identifying symbols of particular cultures, groups, or nations are not appropriate as permanent parts of the liturgical environment. While such symbols might be used for a particular occasion or holiday, they should not regularly constitute a part of the environment of common prayer.

The current document on liturgical art and norms for the United States, Built on Living Stones, does not address the issue at all.

Suggestions?
 
I agree with the last statement from the bishops. I don’t think its appropriate to keep a US flag in the sanctuary b/c it is a part of our national identity. it seems to me that the sanctuary should emphasize our identity as Catholic Christians and with Christ. A flag is entirely appropriate in another prominent place in the church, like a social hall or a main vestibule.
 
In general the use of symbols such as the American flag do not belong in the sanctuary. Why is this? Our theology teaches us that heaven and earth meet at each celebration of the Mass. The sanctuary, in effect, becomes heaven. There is no American flag in heaven, and there should not be one in the sanctuary.

There is, however, no reason the flag cannot be displayed elsewhere in the church, and the narthex or vestibule seem more appropriate places.

Deacon Ed
 
It’s an extremely good idea to keep an American flag (along with a Vatican flag) in the sanctuary during times of war.

This was extremely common during WWII. Some suggest that this tradition was begun in the US by ABp. Fulton J. Sheen – much to the irratation of Francis Cardinal Spellman (because he didn’t come up with it first.)

The flag reminds us at every Mass that our troups are at war and that both they and the enemy need our prayers. It’s very easy to forget for example that there is a war going on in Iraq. Many in fact already have here in the USA.
 
In my area, I see flags quite often in the sanctuary. American flag on the gospel side, papal flag on the epistle side.

And if the “current document on liturgical art and norms for the United States, Built on Living Stones, does not address the issue at all” I’d say that means we’re free to have flags in the sanctuary.

After all, if the silence of the GIRM on the issue of hand holding during the Our Father can be interpreted by some as tacit approval of the practice, I think we are free to presume that silence on the issue of flags in the sanctuary is tacit approval as well.

Besides, she’s a grand old flag, she’s a high flying flag and forever in peace may she wave. :dancing:
 
As far as I know, both flags were in the sanctuary as far back as the early 20th century. No one ever said a word against it in any official capacity. If it was was right then, it is right now. I really coudn’t care less.

This is from Cd George’s Diocesan Newspaper:
**Flags in church? Here’s answer
**The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon has brought about a soaring sense of American patriotism, as well as a growing acceptance of acknowledgement of God.
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                             It’s also brought about a longing for the generations-ago practice of placing an American flag in the sanctuary of a church.

                             What, however, are the Roman Catholic Church’s rules on flags in church?

                            None, really, says the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Liturgy. So it’s up to the local bishop, who in turn can leave it to the discretion of his pastors.
 
why would you want a flag in a church ?

this world is passing and we are all on the way to heaven !

the symbols etc in church should point us to eternity not to current loyalties
 
What business does a flag have in a church let alone a sanctuary?

Nothin’ like nationalism to dampen Christianity.
It’s an extremely good idea to keep an American flag (along with a Vatican flag) in the sanctuary during times of war.
This was extremely common during WWII. Some suggest that this tradition was begun in the US by ABp. Fulton J. Sheen – much to the irratation of Francis Cardinal Spellman (because he didn’t come up with it first.)
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The flag reminds us at every Mass that our troups are at war and that both they and the enemy need our prayers. It’s very easy to forget for example that there is a war going on in Iraq. Many in fact already have here in the USA.
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Sorry, but I don’t need an American flag to remind me to pray for people.

And by your logic, I can state that you should stick an Iraqi flag in your sanctuary because it will remind you to pray for them during this war.
 
gnat:
What business does a flag have in a church let alone a sanctuary?

Nothin’ like nationalism to dampen Christianity.

Sorry, but I don’t need an American flag to remind me to pray for people.

And by your logic, I can state that you should stick an Iraqi flag in your sanctuary because it will remind you to pray for them during this war.
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Why would nationalism “dampen” Christianity? That seems to be only your opinion. It certainly wouldn’t be true in my mind.

The Catholic Church is FULL of reminders to help its people pray. Should we remove those as well based on your rather odd logic?

Perhaps you require the Iraqi flag as well. The American flag would be a strong reminder for me to pray for both sides of the war. It was only you that infers that the American falg would only remind us to pray for GI’s.

Your should be ashamed of yourself.
 
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malcolm_davies:
why would you want a flag in a church ?

this world is passing and we are all on the way to heaven !

the symbols etc in church should point us to eternity not to current loyalties
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In my parish we have three flags. A Spanish flag, a Mexican flag, an American flag and a Vatican flag. These flags recount the history of this parish – long a missionary outpost.

To show the history of Christian evangelization is very powerful and important.
 
Grace & Peace!

My initial thought: keep Rome out of the Temple.

–Mark

Deo Gratias!
 
Pariah Pirana:
In my parish we have three flags. A Spanish flag, a Mexican flag, an American flag and a Vatican flag.
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Am I missing something or does that add up to FOUR flags?
 
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SnorterLuster:
Am I missing something or does that add up to FOUR flags?
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3 flags + the Vatican Cit/State flag (that should be part of every Catholic Church in my opinion.)
 
Your should be ashamed of yourself.
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I should be ashamed of myself? For what? For not honoring the US flag in a place where it has no business? In a church, we are Christians, not Americans.
Perhaps you require the Iraqi flag as well. The American flag would be a strong reminder for me to pray for both sides of the war. It was only you that infers that the American falg would only remind us to pray for GI’s.
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Yes, me and millions of other people. How many people do you think, when they see an American flag, are reminded to pray for the Iraqis? Honestly.

And you do realize that for the most part, the rest of the world doesn’t put national flags in the sanctuary, right?

You should read this.

A better article
The flag of the United States is a national symbol, not a religious one. As the church of Jesus Christ, we must constantly remind one another that the church is global in its mission and calling—not provincial. As Christians, we must remember that national patriotism should never compete against our first loyalty, which is to Jesus Christ.
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The Christian church includes many individual nations and states, and likewise, our U.S. churches include members who are citizens of many different nations. We are people of different political persuasions and perspectives. Our patriorism is expressed in a myriad of ways, and this sometimes includes dissent, discussion, and debate over national interests and policies. Yet our true oneness is in Christ, not national allegiance.
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As Christians, we are called to transcend national divisions. Baptism—not the flag—affirms our unity as Christês people throughout the world. As Saint Paul says: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:27-28).
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gnat:
I should be ashamed of myself? For what? For not honoring the US flag in a place where it has no business?
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According, of course, to you. Since the last time I checked, you weren’t in a position of authority over my diocese or parish, consider your opinion noted and given all due consideration.
gnat:
In a church, we are Christians, not Americans.
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Because everyone knows you can’t be both at the same time!

– Mark L. Chance.
 
gnat:
I should be ashamed of myself? For what? For not honoring the US flag in a place where it has no business? In a church, we are Christians, not Americans.

Yes, me and millions of other people. How many people do you think, when they see an American flag, are reminded to pray for the Iraqis? Honestly.

And you do realize that for the most part, the rest of the world doesn’t put national flags in the sanctuary, right?
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Your comments are completely devoid of logic. Only you are suggesting a flag has “no business” in a sanctuary. The Catholic Church does not support your personal position. In a church I am a Catholic Christian AND an American. Millions of others would make the same claim.

I could care less what the “rest of the world” does, although you are once again making a sweeping statement based only on your personal conjecture.
 
I could care less what the “rest of the world” does, although you are once again making a sweeping statement based only on your personal conjecture.
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Except not, because that is, in fact, what the rest of the world does. Save churches found in a specific country (say, Church of England), the majority do not put national flags in the church. That isn’t my opinion, that’s how it is.
The Catholic Church does not support your personal position.
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Am I Catholic? Did I miss something?

Frankly, I don’t know why insist on such a symbol being displayed in the church. Why is a flag so important to you? And did you read those articles?
 
i must admit, it does sound like a very protestant thing to do, go into any protestant church of scotland and there you will find the union
flag and scottish sltire side by side, i would not like to see any flag of any nationality flying in our church, church is for worshiping not ststing our state allegiance
 
Wow, you guys are just abaout as evenly divided and conflicted on this issue as I am internally.

gnat, thanks for those links. I’m going to add them to the articles I print out and pass out to the council.

However …
C’mon, guys, lighten up. We all want to glorify God, and still show respect for our country’s emblem.
gnat:
Frankly, I don’t know why insist on such a symbol being displayed in the church. Why is a flag so important to you? And did you read those articles?
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It IS a bid deal for the guy who presented the request, and I can understand why. He’s a vet, and a member of the American Legion. He’s given up a lot for our country, and has seen and known others who’ve given all.

If we offer some compromise location (actually, it will be up to our pastor, ultimately, unless our bishop has something to say on the matter), I want to be able to explain to this guy exactly why we’re recommending whatever we recommend. Not to placate him, not even to keep peace, but because he and the flag deserve our consideration and respect.

Yet, in all things, the worship of Christ is foremost.
 
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