FLAGS: How to properly place in church?

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Rosella

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Hi. The flags of the Vatican and our country (USA) are typically displayed on stands on either side of the altar in a Catholic church. We are having some confusion about the proper way to do this because our parish church is so tiny, and then has become more crowded with the addition of an organ, and some other adjustments, that the flags won’t fit in the usual corners. There are many ideas, such as hanging them on small poles from a side wall, draping in back, etc, but before we consider options, are there guidelines, rubrics, rules or anything? Are there any definite no-no’s or is it just up to the discretion of the parish? Any suggestions, or references to proper documents is much appreciated! Thanks.
 
Rosella said:
Hi. The flags of the Vatican and our country (USA) are typically displayed on stands on either side of the altar in a Catholic church. We are having some confusion about the proper way to do this because our parish church is so tiny, and then has become more crowded with the addition of an organ, and some other adjustments, that the flags won’t fit in the usual corners. There are many ideas, such as hanging them on small poles from a side wall, draping in back, etc, but before we consider options, are there guidelines, rubrics, rules or anything? Are there any definite no-no’s or is it just up to the discretion of the parish? Any suggestions, or references to proper documents is much appreciated! Thanks.
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I’ve never seen that. In most parishes I’ve been to, they are outside the doors between narthex and nave, in the narthex. Papal flag to its own right.

Check with the chancery of your diocese… they will know if a specific diocesan rule is in place…
 
Hi, thanks. That makes sense. But our church doesn’t have a narthex per se, it’s too small, it’s more like a tiny entry hall.

Good point to call the chancery, although they are rather hostile and uncooperative, so I prefer to get accurate information from good sources if I can, before dealing with them. The staff in the diocese is pretty much ultra-left anti-Americans, so I’m afraid they might just tell me to remove the flags! If so, I want to be prepared with what the real rules are, if any exist.
 
FYI, after quite a bit of searching and googling, I’ve discovered there are no specific rules about flags, although the USCCB did offer a guideline in the past that perhaps they should not be in the sanctuary, as they are secular objects and not related to the offering of Mass. This would be the reason for having them in the vestibule or narthex, which is perfectly acceptable, as long as they are displayed properly according to Flag Codes.

Each bishop can more specifically regulate for his diocese, but generally they leave it to discretion of pastors. So the very common occurrence of having flags in the sanctuary, one in each corner, is diminishing, but not forbidden either.

I guess the important thing is that we find a place and manner to display them that is both respectful to the liturgy and the presence of the Sacrament, but also in accordance with norms for the flags, and doesn’t make them seem an afterthought is a a cramped corner.

I also found another post about this on Catholic Answers from 2004, sorry don’t know how to provide a link to it.

Any one else who has dealt with this problem of how to display flags, I appreciate your advice.
 
Organizations such as the VFW,American Legion, or similiar entities often publish guides for the display of the US Flag. They will generally cover the sole display of the US Flag, or it’s display with other flags. Technically, the Papal Flag is the flag of another nation, as Vatican City is a recognized city state. In my parish, both the US and Vatican Flags are displayed in the vestibule. As you enter, the Vatican(Papal) Flag is to your right. I’m not going to bet the farm on it, but I believe that is the “proper” display.
 
Those flags are secular symbols. Profane (I use that term in the classical sense) items do not belong in sacred space, e,g., the nave or especially in the sanctuary.

This includes the white/yellow flag of the Holy See, since technically the Holy See is a political entity. That flag represents the papal state, not the Catholic Church.

They should go in the narthex or similar area.
 
The “Vatican” flag has caused confusion in the past, and we are not displaying the flag of another nation. There is a distinction between the flag of the Vatican City State (which is a nation) and the Papal flag of the Holy See. It’s confusing because both entities are referred to as “the Vatican”. I believe the only difference in the two flags is the inversion of the keys, the silver and gold keys switch places. The flags in churches are (I believe, I’m not an expert) supposed to be the one that would be the Pope’s personal flag, not that of the sovereign state.
 
In most churches I’ve visited where the two flags are displayed, the US flag is to the left and the Vatican flag to the right, as seen from the nave.
 
According to the US Flag Code, when displayed outside the sanctuary, one is on the left and the other on the right; positions are reversed if they are inside the chancel.

Now, which goes where? I don’t remember.
 
OK, this is helping, things are getting clearer. BUT what about this…if the flags are INSIDE the church (not the vestibule) but in the back? So you see them as you walk out? That is, mounted on small poles where a choir loft might be in a larger church, not in the front.

Sorry to keep this discussion going, hope it’s not too tedious, but this is not easy to get answers, I’ve been online all day looking things up to try to figure it out!
 
Rosella said:
OK, this is helping, things are getting clearer. BUT what about this…if the flags are INSIDE the church (not the vestibule) but in the back? So you see them as you walk out? That is, mounted on small poles where a choir loft might be in a larger church, not in the front.

Sorry to keep this discussion going, hope it’s not too tedious, but this is not easy to get answers, I’ve been online all day looking things up to try to figure it out!
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This could be doable, I think you need to switch sides so they are seen relative to when you walk out (e.g. towards the back).
 
4 USC 1 (Title 4 Chapter 1) Section 7(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.
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| 4 USC 1 |
 
In all cases, the flag of one’s own nation should be given the place of honor. That is, the flag of the US should stand in its own right, and, if crossed, be in front that of another flag. That includes the Papal flag or the flag of Vatican City.
 
IMO no national flags or other non-religious symbols should be displayed in, on or outside a Catholic Church. The Church is not an arm of any State or Nation or government. Maybe an exception could be made for the Pope’s personal flag (with his personal coat of arms which changes with each pope) but it would be preferable to simply have a portrait of the current pope (and the current bishop) in the vestibule (definitely not in the sanctuary).
 
I would look at this as a good opportunity to not put the flags back up in the Church. While it’s certainly acceptable, many do not find it in good taste. Frankly, I see no reason why the American flag (or even the Vatican flag) should be displayed. The Church is universal, and it should not be reduced into national divisions. The Eucharist is what brings us together as children of God, not America.
 
If, however, you’re intent on puting them back up, I would try to fit them in your quasi Narthex. Perhaps try and find some classroom size flags along with two angled flag holders [ones that you mount several feet up the wall and small metal ones with a 30 degree angle or less]. The American flag would go on the left and the Papal flag on the right, as you come into the church.
 
In my church we have an American flag and Vatican flag in the narthex next to the entrance doors. If flags must be placed in a church this seems like the most appropriate place. In my opinion it seems highly inappropriate to display either flag in either the nave or especially the sanctuary. As others have said the Church is universal and it owes no particular allegiance to any nation or state.

As a Catholic I would have no objection to flying the flag outside of the church building since we are in America. I would think the same would go for a church in any other country. Our rectory has both the Vatical and American flags flying.

ChadS
 
Petergee said:
IMO no national flags or other non-religious symbols should be displayed in, on or outside a Catholic Church. The Church is not an arm of any State or Nation or government. Maybe an exception could be made for the Pope’s personal flag (with his personal coat of arms which changes with each pope) but it would be preferable to simply have a portrait of the current pope (and the current bishop) in the vestibule (definitely not in the sanctuary).
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Well said. 👍
 
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