The Christian Flag, a simple yet powerful symbol, was born from a moment of impromptu inspiration. In 1897, Charles C. Overton, a Sunday School superintendent in Brooklyn, New York, found himself unexpectedly tasked with addressing a gathering of students. Lacking a prepared speech, he posed a thought-provoking question: “What would a flag representing Christianity look like?”
This unexpected challenge sparked a conversation among the students, leading to the initial concept of a flag with a white field symbolizing purity, a blue canton representing faithfulness, and a red Latin cross signifying the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Christian Flag Gains Traction
Over the following years, the design was refined, and in 1942, it was officially adopted by the Federal Council of Churches. The flag quickly gained traction, becoming a visible symbol of Christian unity across various denominations.
While not an official flag of any single church, it serves as a unifying emblem for Christians worldwide, transcending denominational differences and reminding believers of their shared faith in Jesus Christ.
Symbolism of the flag:
- White: Represents purity, peace, and innocence.
- Blue: Symbolizes heaven, faithfulness, and loyalty.
- Red Cross: Represents the blood of Christ shed for the forgiveness of sins.
The Flag Pledge: A Declaration of Faith
Alongside the flag, a pledge was developed to accompany it. The pledge serves as a declaration of faith and commitment to Christian principles. While variations may exist, a common version of the pledge reads:
โI pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands.ย One Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe.โ
The Flag Anthem
A fitting accompaniment to the flag and pledge is the “Christian Flag Anthem” written in 1903 by Fanny Crosby. It expresses reverence for Christ and a dedication to Christian values.
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 Oโer And Oโer Again,
Oh! May It Bear The Message,
“Good Will And Peace To Men.”
The Christian Flag! God Bless It!
Now Throw It To The Breeze,
And May It Wave Triumphant
Oโer Land And Distant Seas,
Till All The Wide Creation
Upon Its Folds Shall Gaze,
And All The World United,
Our Loving Saviour Praise.
Learn more about church-centered living by viewing Sunday School: The Cornerstone of Christian Education.