non-denominational Protestant learns about Anglicanism

Excellent, a Church tradition right up my own alley.

All readers should be aware that the investigator shown on this video chose one Anglican parish to visit.

I appreciate this Rector's presentation, and the video is admirably instructional on many points. However, this parish (and the jurisdiction that it is part of--the Anglican Province of Christ the King) happens to be one that is at the far (Catholic) end of the Anglican spectrum.

In many ways, the Anglican Province of Christ the King is not representative of the majority of Anglican and Episcopal churches in the USA. And that is not meant in an unfriendly sense, but just as a *heads up* for anyone looking at Anglicanism in general from the perspective of an inquirer.

This is quite representative of my church.

I enjoyed the second half of this video tonight but it came with a revelation. I have become an old, grouchy, curmudgeon. Gentlemen don't wear hats inside buildings...and for that matter it is a cap not a hat. Forgive me.

I haven't had time to watch the whole thing.

That said, this is a bit more high church than average where I am, but what strikes me instantly is the presence of flags in church. I'd have complaints if I put flags in church!

The flags are quite common in American churches. Usually there are two: the American flag and the Christian flag.

They are usually displayed on either side of the chancel. I personally hate the custom; it smacks of nationalism.https://www.united-states-flag.com/...3x5ft-with-indoor-pole-hem-and-fringe_1_1.jpg

Thanks DanButer for the video link, saved for future viewing.

The latest (London UK) CofE Anglican church I visited had flags too. Personally I see nothing wrong in it.

Shane R said:

The flags are quite common in American churches. Usually there are two: the American flag and the Christian flag.

They are usually displayed on either side of the chancel. I personally hate the custom; it smacks of nationalism.

Click to expand...

I hate it, too. I believe ours were removed at the later service thankfully. I'll have to take notice the next time I'm there.

Shane R said:

The flags are quite common in American churches. Usually there are two: the American flag and the Christian flag.

They are usually displayed on either side of the chancel. I personally hate the custom; it smacks of nationalism.

Click to expand...

I heard of a priest who processed in on the 4th of July with the American flag that was normally in the chancel so nobody could say he wasn't patriotic, and then processed out with the flag. The flag never made a return to the chancel.

For those who are visual learners, these photos are from the recent commissioning of a new Cathedral for the Reformed Episcopal Church in Dallas, TX:



The Christian flag is on the far side of the lectern. There was not a good picture that showed the full panoramic view.

I’ve never heard of a Christian flag.

The only times we have flags in church is on a “Parade Sunday” - the main one being Remembrance Sunday.

Naomi4Christ said:

I’ve never heard of a Christian flag.

The only times we have flags in church is on a “Parade Sunday” - the main one being Remembrance Sunday.

Click to expand...

It's mostly an American thing. Christian Flag - Wikipedia

There are no flags in my (U.S.A.) church. My priest is a Mideast combat vet. One would think if anyone was going to be a rah-rah-patriot sort of chap he would be, but he thinks nationalism has no place in the church on Sunday morning. Me too.

seeking.IAM said:

There are no flags in my (U.S.A.) church. My priest is a Mideast combat vet. One would think if anyone was going to be a rah-rah-patriot sort of chap he would be, but he thinks nationalism has no place in the church on Sunday morning. Me too.

Click to expand...

I agree, but we are in a strange place in Anglicanism when it comes to the Church and nationalism. We still have an understanding as being a national church, whether officially or not.

I think we've lost that in Australia (if we ever really had it).

Paidiske said:

I think we've lost that in Australia (if we ever really had it).

Click to expand...

I think we've more or less lost it in the US< but there are still remnants of it. For instance, in TEC, American Independence Day is a Major Feast.

We have the option to observe Australia day but I've never been anywhere that has. ANZAC day would be more common but then it also has the complication of military overtones.

Arcangl86 said:

I think we've more or less lost it in the US< but there are still remnants of it. For instance, in TEC, American Independence Day is a Major Feast.

Click to expand...

In my church we get past American Independence Day well enough, it's Veteran's Day that rankles me. Veteran parishioners join the procession, some wearing their thirty year old military uniforms, carrying their service branchs' flags, which are posted at the front of the church for the duration of the service. And God forbid we don't have a member who served in the Coast Guard or we'll scour the community until we find one, and make the poor chap become an Episcopalian for the day to carry the USCG's flag in the procession, too.

The only thing worse than nationalism is militarism. I stay home that Sunday unless I've lost track of the calendar. And if I stumble into the service by accident, I kick myself.

We have Remembrance Sunday with the Royal British Legion (ex-servicemen) as the key guests, but the atmosphere is definitely not nationalistic or patriotic.