The Christian Flag
Explore the rich history, symbolism, and universal significance of the Christian Flag, a unique emblem representing faith, unity, and Christ's sacrifice. Learn its origins, song lyrics, pledge variations, and display guidelines.
History of the Christian Flag
The Christian Flag was conceived on September 26, 1897, at Brighton Chapel, Coney Island, New York, and presented in its current form the following Sunday. It is one of the oldest unchanged flags in the world, symbolizing a universal faith unbound by nation or denomination.
Symbolism of the Colors
The flag's colors carry deep meaning: white represents purity and peace, blue stands for faithfulness, truth, and sincerity, and red symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ's blood on the cross, depicted by the cross emblem.
The Christian Flag Song
Written by Fanny Crosby in 1903 with music by R. Huntington Woodman, the song celebrates the flag's mission. Below are the lyrics:
The Christian Flag! behold it,
And hail it with a song,
And let the voice of millions
The joyful strain prolong,
To every clime and nation,
We send it forth today;
God speed its glorious mission,
With earnest hearts we pray.
Refrain:
The Christian Flag! behold it,
And hail it with a song,
And let the voice of millions
The joyful strain prolong.
The Christian Flag! unfurl it,
That all the world may see
The bloodstained cross of Jesus,
Who died to make us free.
The Christian Flag! unfurl it,
And over and over again,
Oh! may it bear the message,
Goodwill and peace to men.
Refrain
The Christian Flag! God bless it!
Now throw it to the breeze,
And may it wave triumphant
O'er land and distant seas,
Till all the wide creation
Upon its folds shall gaze,
And all the world united,
Our loving Savior praise.
Refrain
Listen to The Christian Flag Audio
Pledge Variations
The first pledge was written by Methodist pastor Lynn Harold Hough in 1908. Below are four variations found online:
- I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands. One brotherhood, uniting all true Christians, in service and love.
- I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands. One brotherhood, uniting all mankind, in service and love.
- We pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior whose kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty for all who believe.
- I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag. And to the Savior, for whose kingdom it stands. One brotherhood uniting all Christians in service and love.
Unique Character
The Christian Flag is unique as the only free flag in the world, uncontrolled by any nation or denomination. It belongs to all people regardless of race, sex, or status, with Christ as its sole Master. Its universal quality makes it like the air we breathe, freely available to all.
Display Guidelines
In churches, the Christian Flag is displayed as follows:
- On the floor level, it is placed to the right, front, of the congregation, outside the communion railing.
- Within the chancel or choir loft, it is positioned to the right of the altar, facing the congregation.
- When displayed with other flags, it is stationed on the right and never dips to other flags, though it may dip to the altar Cross.
Approximately 244,000 churches display the Christian Flag in sanctuaries and classrooms, symbolizing spiritual loyalty alongside patriotic flags.
Legal Context in America
The U.S. Bill of Rights, Article 1, ensures no law prohibits the free exercise of religion. The U.S. Navy flies a pennant with a blue Latin Cross above the American flag during divine worship. In California, flags flown during church services may be placed above or to the right of the U.S. flag.
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