O Canada!

This past weekend a couple people asked me: "What happened to our flags?". 

Last fall as Session was discussing the purchase of new banners, it was noted that the flags in the sanctuary, in particular the St. Andrew's Cross were in disrepair, literally falling apart. After some discussion Session decided to removed the flags when the new banners were installed. Largely the decision was a preference for Christian symbols over national symbols.

There is lots to think about with regards to the furnishings of any sanctuary and lots to think about with regards to the display of symbols in any church. Below is an excerpt from the "Just Wondering..." column of the Presbyterian Connector (Spring 2018 edition) that addresses this very question: 

The flags in our sanctuary are falling apart. Some would like to replace them and some say the flags should not be replaced because of the separation of church and state. What is right?

Flags serve many purposes. A white flag proclaims surrender while the Jolly Roger identifies pirates. Institutions and nations have flags that usually depict something of the land or work they represent. Let’s assume this discussion is about Canadian flags in Canadian Presbyterian sanctuaries. A report to the 2001 General Assembly (p. 306) points out that flags represent countries and causes with limited and exclusive appeal. The flag of Canada, for example, embraces Canadians but excludes others. “...The Presbyterian Church in Canada, must forever have an inclusive open-door policy that invites all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour to belong regardless of their political or national allegiance.” Others might believe the Canada flag symbolizes respect for Canada and our Christian duty to pray for those in authority. Weighing these important considerations, sessions may decide what flag, if any, is placed in their church. As an aside, the Declaration of Faith Regarding Church and Nation, a subordinate standard of our denomination, states in one paragraph, “Jesus has ordained the Church to serve him in the proclamation of his word, in the administration of his sacraments, and in the life of faith which works by love. He has also in his grace ordained the State to serve him in the administration of his justice and benevolence, by discerning, formulating, and enforcing, such laws and policies as will promote the wellbeing of all its citizens and curb license, discord, and destitution.”