Christian cases for yes, no, and flying other nations’ flags as congregations balance love of God, neighbor, and country.
The Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year. As American churches consider how to recognize the United States’ independence day during their worship services, CT decided to revisit a question first posed to American church leaders in 2013.
Here’s what their counterparts from 11 different countries have to say in 2021. Answers are arranged from Yes to No:
Egypt: Sameh Maurice, senior pastor, Kasr El Dobara Evangelical Church in Cairo
Yes, I agree with displaying the flag of my country in the church. The flag of my country only and not other countries, as it is a spiritual and not a political orientation.
The purpose of raising the flag is to keep my heart united with my people in prayer for the salvation of their souls. It’s to remember that I must stand in the gap for my people, that they may know the Lord and see the light of the gospel, and to tell my country and my people how much I love them and pray for them.
Jordan: Hani Nuqul, pastor, Evangelical Free Church in Jabal Al Hussein, Amman
I strongly believe that each church building should post the flag on the building and in the sanctuary. As an elder and pastor, we made this decision a few years ago to do so in order to show our loyalty as citizens to the country of Jordan. We believe that by doing so, we are a good example and testimony to others and also following the teachings of the Bible.
As the Evangelical Free Church council, we have taken the decision to put the Jordanian flag in all local churches that belong to the council along with the church logo and flag.
Indonesia: Wahyu Pramudya, pastor, Indonesia Christian Church Ngagel in Surabaya
In Indonesia, we usually display our national flag in the sanctuary every August, which is the month when we …
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