The Christian flag is the only free flag in the world. It
is different from every other flag, religious or secular, ancient or
modern. It is uncontrolled, independent, and universal. Unlike all
national flags and all denominational flags of various churches, it has no
earthly bonds or allegiances. Christ and Christ alone is its Master.
Without limitation, it exists for all the world's people regardless of
sex, race, national boundary, economic condition, affluence, or poverty,
politics, slavery or freedom. It cannot be restricted by any nation or
denomination. This unique, universal quality makes it like the air we
breathe, belonging to all and yet owned by none. For those who want it,
wherever and whenever, it is freely theirs.
The Christian flag is one of the oldest unchanged flags
in the world. It was conceived at Brighton Chapel, Coney Island, New York,
Sunday, September 26, 1897, and was presented in its present form the
following Sunday by its originator. Call it chance, or providence,
serendipity, or the plan of God, on that day, the Christian flag was born.
The white on the flag represents purity and peace. The
blue stands for faithfulness, truth, and sincerity. Red, of course, is the
color of sacrifice, in this case calling to mind the blood shed by Christ
on Calvary, represented by the cross.
The first pledge to the Christian flag was written by
Methodist pastor Lynn Harold Hough in 1908.
"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."
